This National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) 2024 contest lived up to its hype, with many dubbing it "the finals before the finals."

The semi-final showdown came down to a tie-breaker, as Mfantsipim School and Presbyterian Boy’ Secondary School (Presec-Legon) were neck and neck with 53 points each at the end of regular time.

Osei Tutu SHS trailed behind the other two schools at this critical moment and was asked by the quiz mistress to excuse the rest of their team from the sudden-death round.

NSMQ 2024: The answer that took Mfantsipim School into finals after beating Presec-Legon in a contest which came down to a ‘sudden death’ showdown. pic.twitter.com/xZVPa1SbRZ

— Kenneth Awotwe Darko (@TheKennethDarko) October 27, 2024

At this point, the first school to answer a riddle correctly would secure their spot in the finals.

While the riddle was being read out, Peter Thompson rang the bell for the Botwe Boys.

The silence was deafening; supporters from both schools could hear a pin drop in the SGS auditorium at the University of Cape Coast (UCC).

But his answer was correct. The auditorium erupted in a cloud of uncontrollable red uproar.

Peter had just secured them a place in the finals in the coveted NSMQ 2024.

This denied the Presec boys a chance at a 9th trophy and Osei Tutu SHS a still-born dream, clinching the title.

From the onset, Mfantsipim came determined, fueled by memories of heartbreak. After eliminating Prempeh College, the five-time champions, in the quarter-finals, the Botwe Boys now sought revenge against PRESEC. The )dade3 Boys had shattered Mfantsipim’s hopes in last year’s semi-finals, but this time, the Cape Coast giants arrived with one goal: to claim what was denied.

The contest began with a flash of brilliance as Mfantsipim seized the early lead, racking up 23 points in the first round. PRESEC followed closely with 21 points, while Osei Tutu struggled to keep up with 12 points.

The heat intensified in the second round, with Mfantsipim stretching their lead to 30 points. However, PRESEC refused to back down, amassing 27 points to stay within striking distance. Osei Tutu, battling valiantly, slipped further to 10 points.

The auditorium buzzed with excitement as supporters from all three schools cheered their teams on with unrelenting passion. The third round saw each school showcase its intellectual might, with all three teams scoring a perfect 10 points—raising the stakes even higher.

Mfantsipim’s supporters grew more confident, sensing victory within reach. Yet, in the fourth round, PRESEC delivered a shocker, staging a spectacular comeback to snatch the lead. With 53 points, the )dade3 Boys surged ahead, leaving Mfantsipim trailing by a hair with 50 points, while Osei Tutu held steady at 27 points.

Just when it seemed like PRESEC had sealed the win, the Botwe Boys clawed their way back in the final moments, tying the score at 53 points and forcing a heart-stopping tie-breaker.

The crowd fell silent as the decisive question was read. Fans sat on the edge of their seats, the silence deafening—until Mfantsipim delivered the correct answer in a moment of brilliance. The Botwe Boys had done it—they had beaten the eight-time champions and booked their place in the finals!

The razor-thin margin of triumph sent waves of emotion through the crowd—some celebrating in ecstasy, others gasping in disbelief.

PRESEC fought valiantly, bowing out with dignity after a gripping contest. Meanwhile, Osei Tutu, though outpaced, earned the admiration of all with their determined performance, finishing with 27 points.

For the Botwe Boys, the journey continues. Their dream of lifting the prestigious NSMQ trophy for a third time is alive, and their victory sends a clear message: they are unstoppable, and they are coming for the crown.

The 2024 National Science and Maths Quiz is produced by Primetime Limited and sponsored by the Ghana Education Service in partnership with GOIL PLC and supported by Pepsodent, Jupay, and Prudential Life Insurance Ghana.

The broadcast of the National Science & Maths Quiz on JoyNews is supported by NASCO, VitaMilk, Virtual Security Africa, Ace Medical Insurance, Built Financial Technologies, DBS Roofing, Sintex Tanks, Family Health Medical School,  Chopbox Technologies and Action Secondary Technical School.