Red Bull Four 2 Score Challenge: Smart Legends top opening qualifier

The Red Bull Four 2 Score Challenge kicked off in exciting fashion at the Simba Club in Nairobi where four teams secured qualification for the national finals due on May 13.

Sunday’s round of games marked the first of three qualifiers and brought together 56 teams with Smart Legends emerging winners after a nerve-wracking final against Ngara All Stars.

Both teams were locked in a 1-1 stalemate at the end of the 10-minute regulation time, setting up a nervous golden goal scenario where Smart Legends were ultimately decisive to win 2-1.

The two finalists as well as Madaraka All Stars (third place) and Wild West Youngins (fourth finishers) thus advanced to the national event where they will be joined by eight other teams.

The second tournament qualifier at the University of Nairobi on April 22 will produce another four teams and the third one at St. Mary’s School on May 3 completing the set of 12.

The opening round of games brought out the best of small-sided soccer – providing a highlight reel of skills, technical quality and movement in an exciting pre-cursor for the games that will follow.

There were outstanding individual moments, shocks, tears as well as some controversy on a day packed with quality of football and constant entertainment in the group stages.

In the end the day belonged to Smart Legends who have now already marked themselves out as a leading contender for national glory thanks to their quality and resilience.

Their group stage results featured blowout victories and were responsible for eliminating the traditional powers Madaraka All Stars in the semis after coming from behind to win 3-2.

Francis Mwaura provided the cutting edge in the well-oiled Smart Legends machine, almost single-handedly sinking Madaraka with a memorable two-goal show and was again on target in the final with a tidy finish.

Hussein Aboubakar also stood out for the champions, netting golden goal that took them into the quarters and another in the final after he was pitted against Kute Guyo of Ngara All Stars.

Red Bull Four 2 Score Challenge Play Concept

The Red Bull Four 2 Score is a unique, intensive 4vs4 football game that compels players to showcase their best small-field football skills in 10 minute rounds.

There are no half time breaks, no stoppage time and no goalkeeper. In addition, goals scored during the first and last-minute count as double, so the teams will be looking to score when it matters the most.

The tournament is open to both male and female players between 18-35 years.

This year, the World Final will take place at RB Leipzig in Germany.

What is a Golden Goal?

One player from each team will play, 1vs1, until a goal is scored.

When a team scores a goal, the game is over – it is a 'Golden Goal', securing the team to advance to the next round.