In a bitter rivalry and nerve-racking contest, Tamale Islamic Science Senior High School (TISSEC), has toppled two-time champions of the Northern zone, Tamale Senior High School to make their debut zonal championship win.

They beat their city rivals in a Tamale derby that featured Ghana SHS-Tamale and Upper West’s lone ranger, St. Francis Xavier Seminary SHS.

They won the contest with a 4-point margin ahead of TAMASCO, while Xavescans of St. Francis came third with 21 points.

Ghana SHS - Tamale however struggled to find their feet in the contest for academic supremacy in the region’s capital.

Attempts by TAMASCO to overturn the contest in the fourth round after trailing Islamic Science SHS by one point only saw their imminent defeat.

TISSEC swiftly answered correctly one of the riddles at the fourth round to extend their lead ahead of their closest contender.

It was an intense showdown between the rivals as they matched each other boot-for-boot but TISSEC proved to be the formidable side.

There was overwhelming joy in the camp of Islamic folks with their win serving as a perfect win from Allah after the Eid festivities.

“We are grateful to Allah for making us see this day. Glory be to Allah,” one of the teachers of the school told JoyNews’ Emmanuel Bright Quaicoe.

The contestants of TISSEC, after escaping the grip of the lions, are confident of defeating any school at the national tournament.