'Hardwork paid off': Football enthusiasts celebrate Kerala's Santosh Trophy win

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan led the tributes congratulating the team for its victory in the final moments after the game. 

 

CM Pinarayi Vijayan congratulated the Kerala Football team on winning the 72nd edition of Santosh Trophy. This is the 6th title win for the State. He also congratulated the West Bengal team who put up a great fight to create a thriller of a game. #KERvBEN pic.twitter.com/O1SOoUbfJr

— CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) April 1, 2018

 

Kerala footballer CK Vineeth also commended the Kerala players for a 'brilliant team effort' to regain the cup, 14 years after last winning it. 

 

A brilliant team effort from the boys in the Kerala Team who've done the state proud by winning the 72nd Santosh Trophy. Immensely proud of all of them, who've brought the cup back after 14 years! This moment is yours! #Champions #BENvKER pic.twitter.com/xicvM3kNcg

— CK Vineeth (@ckvineeth) April 1, 2018

 

Several others also chimed in with congratulatory messages for the triumphant Kerala team that managed to beat West Bengal at its own home to win the final. 

 

Congratulations to #TeamKerala for this well deserved win in #SantoshTrophy. You guys have made Kerala proud. pic.twitter.com/BmaVb4300o

— Hibi Eden MLA (@HibiEden) April 1, 2018

This #SantoshTrophy win by Kerala brings back memories from the last couple of times they won it. Remember pestering the parents to buy me the Mathrubhumi Sports magazine with pictures of Asif Saheer & Co in it #KERvBEN

— Vishnu Prasad (@visheprasad) April 1, 2018

It was also the youngest ever team fielded by Kerala in the tournament with an average age of 22. 

 

Youngest ever Kerala squad for the #SantoshTrophy. Average age is 22. SBI defender Rahul V Raj, 25 to captain. Satheevan Balan (centre) is head coach and former Kerala captain Bijish Ben his assistant. pic.twitter.com/9yilxM9N2E

— Arun George (@saysarun) January 8, 2018

 

It appeared as though the title would slip through Kerala's grasp after the team conceded with virtually the last kick of the game to take the final to a penalty shootout but Seesan S stroked home the winning penalty to lead his team to victory. 

 

Kerala had earlier beaten West Bengal to top the group stage before going on to defeat Mizoram in the semi-finals. 

 

The victory gave Kerala its 6th Santosh Trophy title. 

 

There were of course those who were disappointed that there had been no live telecast of the match on TV. 

14000 people watching #SantoshTrophyFinal Live on FB
Such Enthusiasm and excitement for #SantoshTrophy but still no TV telecast
HT
Kerala 1-0 Bengal pic.twitter.com/TpnFEId0hV

— Raijin Antony (@RaijinAntony) April 1, 2018