Wednesday marked the return of Neymar Jr’s Five for another year in Australia, with Mega Courts Indoor Sports at Windsor Gardens hosting a night filled with small-sided action, backed by tournament sponsor Red Bull.

In all, 96 players represented 14 different teams through the group stage, before progressing towards the knockout stages. On the night opposition players and fans were treated to some magic from some local NPL stars, most notably Adelaide City winger Mamadi Kamara.

Neymar Jr’s Five has an added twist to its game to make conceding a goal even more punishing - each time a team scores, their opposition loses a player. Everyone playing was warned to choose their shirt numbers wisely, but in some cases, nothing could stop some from ending the other team’s game early. Several times games finished early, simply because one team lost all their players by conceding too many goals.

Skill and talent was on show from the get go and it was easy to spot the masters of the indoor game, with some big results in the opening rounds.

Leading into the knockout stages, the favourites became apparent. Megacourts, the Disciples, the Goal Diggers and AFP FC all looked likely to be the ones to grab a spot in the final.

As the games progressed, injuries started to decide some teams’ fate, with some ‘running out of legs’.

As the night began to really heat up, there were just four teams left to battle it out in the semi-finals. The Disciples met with the Thunderstormz on the main court, while AFP FC and Schulz Dragon played out the more exciting game from the two right next door.

The Disciples dominated the Thunderstormz for a comfortable path into the final, whereas AFP FC had to use all their class to overcome a determined Schulz Dragon team, vying for a spot in the Final.

The stage was set. Either AFP FC or the Disciples would make it through to the South Australian State Final. Watched by the large and lively crowd on the night, AFP FC were too strong and took their chances when they needed to and managed to scrape through into the State Final.

South Australia now has three more qualifiers to come before the State Final on May 25 back at Mega Courts. 

Be a part of the action, check out all the info and learn how to register by clicking here or www.neymarjrsfive.com.