Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) [India], April 14 (HBTV): Team Kalina Rangers from Kochi emerged victorious in the Red Bull Four 2 Score National Finals, defeating competitors from across the country to clinch the title and secure a place on the global stage.
The high-energy 4v4 football tournament concluded with intense matches featuring amateur players representing 10 cities, showcasing grassroots talent and fast-paced action throughout the competition.
Mumbai City FC and Indian national team forward Vikram Pratap Singh was present at the event, according to a release.
Kalina Rangers secured the title after a sudden-death golden goal by Tyson Patel in a closely contested final, overcoming all opposition to earn the championship and qualification for the World Finals in Canada later this year.
The team, originally formed in Mumbai and representing Kochi qualifiers, began their journey by defeating crowd favourites MRFC A in the regional rounds, also via a sudden-death golden goal. The squad comprises Craig Dsouza, Scott Moraes, Tyson Patel, Clinton Dsouza and Faheez Mohammed.
Throughout the tournament, teams from across India battled through qualifiers before the top sides met in Coimbatore for the national finale.
‘We are ecstatic about the win at the Red Bull Four 2 Score India Finals, after putting in the hard work and beating the top teams in the country. But now the focus shifts to the world finals in Canada. We are going there to win & not just to participate,’ said Scott Moraes of Kalina Rangers.
Vikram Pratap Singh, Red Bull athlete and Indian footballer, said, ‘I used to play a lot of futsal in the start of my footballing career. There is more quickness involved in this game. Red Bull Four 2 Score gives a great platform to young grassroots stars to showcase their talent. I congratulate Kalina Rangers on winning their maiden Red Bull Four 2 Score tournament.’
The Red Bull Four 2 Score format features small-sided 4v4 matches, 10-minute rounds, no goalkeepers, and double-point goals in the first and last minute, with ties decided through sudden-death one-on-one challenges.
(ANI)