Defending champions Osei Kyeretwie Senior High School (OKESS) have suffered a shocking setback after failing to qualify for the Round of 32 of the Ashanti Region Schools & Colleges Boys' Football Championship for the first time in the school's history.

The unexpected development has attracted attention among football followers, particularly because OKESS are one of the most successful schools in the competition, having won the championship 10 times.

Many supporters expected the defending champions to progress further and continue their journey towards another trophy. However, their performance in the group stage was not enough to secure them a place in the next round.

OKESS finished the group stage with seven points, the same number accumulated by St. Michael SHS. Unfortunately for the defending champions, the qualification rules worked against them, as the two schools had to be separated based on their number of victories in open play.

According to the qualification statistics, OKESS managed just one open-play victory, while St. Michael SHS recorded two. This difference gave St. Michael SHS the advantage and secured their qualification for the Round of 32.

For OKESS, the outcome represents a painful end to their title defence, especially considering their impressive history in the competition. Their 10 championship victories have established them as one of the most respected and successful schools in Ashanti Region school football.

The early elimination will undoubtedly come as a disappointment to their players, technical team, school authorities and supporters, who were hoping to see the team compete for another title.

Meanwhile, St. Michael SHS will have the opportunity to continue their campaign after benefiting from the qualification rules.

OKESS' failure to reach the Round of 32 marks a historic moment in the tournament and serves as a reminder that past achievements do not guarantee success in football.

With the defending champions now out of the competition, attention will shift to the remaining schools battling for this year's trophy.

Source