They won it, they actually did!
Tiny Aizawl FC, relegated last year from the I-League and brought back later, have actually gone and done it. In a pulsating, nail-biting Sunday evening which spanned Shillong and Kolkata and left everyone watching on the verge of a nervous breakdown, Aizawl held on bravely for a 1-1 draw against Shillong Lajong and, in the process, scripted history to win the I-League, the first team from the North East to do so!
And everyone on Twitter saluted them for living this fantastic dream.
CONGRATS @AizawlFC!! Fairy tale stuff! Your win is so important for #Indianfootball at this juncture! Passion over money & glamour!🙏#LAJvAFC pic.twitter.com/t4mp6ACt7c
— football news india (@fni) April 30, 2017
That moment when @AizawlFC lifted the cup and created history. #HeroILeague #LAJvAFC pic.twitter.com/mssMIZ8A7N
— Hero I-League (@ILeagueOfficial) April 30, 2017
Aizawl winning I-League remarkable story. Tells you of sports talent in small town India as also effort & vision needed to actualise this
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) April 30, 2017
Even fellow rivals in the league, Bengaluru FC recognised how massive a moment this was for Indian football.
Congratulations @AizawlFC on being crowned champions. Dreams do come true :) #LAJvAFC pic.twitter.com/bDkg90mqZh
— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) April 30, 2017
It was sheer passion which took Aizawl to the summit of Indian football.
No full page ad with cricketers,no bots,no bollywood,no first last day - Just passion & thats what football is all abt - @AizawlFC #LAJvAFC
— Goonerunny (@tushizap) April 30, 2017
Little-known @AizawlFC! No one gave them a chance. Moist eyes in the house everywhere. Can't write this stuff, absolutely cannot!! pic.twitter.com/w5F49oWhe5
— Arka Bhattacharya (@Heilige_Kugel) April 30, 2017
From relegation to resurrection to champions of India. What a story @AizawlFC. Let the football movement begin. #IndianFootball #LAJvAFC
— Pulasta Dhar (@TheFalseNo9) April 30, 2017
Only football can produce stories like this! Beautiful! Congratulations @AizawlFC! #LAJvAFC
— Bhargab Sarmah (@BhargabSarmah) April 30, 2017
One of the smallest states in the country with the biggest heart victory for the North East, Salute !!!! pic.twitter.com/BvGUsYmxeQ
— Thuammawia_Ralte (@thuammawia) April 30, 2017