NSMQ 2026: Augusco’s third trophy chase on course as they send Prempeh, Pope John packing

• St. Augustine’s College emerged victorious in the first NSMQ 2026 semi-final, scoring 52 points to defeat Prempeh College and Pope John SHS & Minor Seminary.

• The two-time champions have now secured their place in the Grand Finale, moving a step closer to a potential third NSMQ title.

• The victory has sparked celebrations among Augusco and APSU supporters, with the school’s famous green pride shining on the national stage.

The boys from Cape Coast came to the University of Cape Coast (UCC) Main Auditorium with one job — qualify for the final, and they got it done.

When the dust finally settled, the scoreboard read:

• St. Augustine’s College — 52 points

• Prempeh College — 47 points

• Pope John SHS & Minor Seminary — 28 points

Yep, 52 points.

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Augusco kept their composure through a contest that had three major NSMQ names battling for one precious ticket to the final. Prempeh College, who entered the semi-finals after topping their quarter-final contest, pushed hard, but their 47 points were not enough to overtake the Cape Coast giants.

Pope John, meanwhile, finished third on 28 points.

The victory is another major moment in what has already been an impressive 2026 campaign for St. Augustine’s College.

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The school had earlier secured its semi-final place after winning its quarter-final contest with 47 points, ahead of St. John’s Grammar School and Aburi Girls’ SHS.

And now, just days later, Augusco have levelled up again, this time with 52 points and a Grand Finale ticket in the bag.

For a school that has been a regular presence in the latter stages of the competition, this is another reminder that the Augusco boys are very much still about that NSMQ life.

Prempeh College were no pushovers.

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The Kumasi giants had started their 2026 campaign strongly, winning the opening quarter-final contest with 44 points, ahead of Keta SHTS on 39 and Ghana National College on 30.

But this time, the 47-point finish left them five points behind Augusco.

That means Prempeh's wait for another Grand Finale appearance continues, while Augusco get to keep the celebrations going.

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The result means St. Augustine’s College are the first school from this semi-final contest to qualify for the 2026 NSMQ Grand Finale.

The official NSMQ semi-final fixtures had placed St. Augustine’s College, Prempeh College and Pope John SHS & Minor Seminary together in the opening semi-final contest at the UCC Main Auditorium.