‘Embarrassing, shambolic’: Fans seethe after Afghanistan beat India 2-1 in World Cup Qualifiers | Watch
Sunil Chettri sinks after the defeat. (Inset) Indian fans do the Viking Clap celebration
India suffered a humiliating 1-2 loss against Afghanistan's B-team in front of the home crowdat the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday (Mar 16). The defeat dents the team's chances of qualifying for the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers.
India conceded twice in the second half after leading, courtesy of a goal from the penalty spot by Sunil Chetrri in the 37th minute, who was playing his 150th game for the country.
After the win, the Afghanistan team could be seen doing the Viking Clap celebrationwith the attending Indian fans whichis usually reserved for the Blue Tigers.
The fans partook in the celebration to show defiance to the players, coaches and the football board.Fans online claimed it was perhaps the most embarrassing moment in Indian footballing history.
One of the most Embarrassing moment in Indian football history. #indianfootball #indiavsafghanistan pic.twitter.com/afnQ3XDeTy — Drog BABA (@TheDrogBABA) March 26, 2024
Throughout the match, there were sporadic chants of 'Stimac Out' which increased in intensity after Afghanistan clinched a late victory. Fans outside the stadium could be seen jeering the Croatian in some of the videos going viral on social media.
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The message is loud and clear from the fans#INDAFG @sportstarweb pic.twitter.com/cifmnSdYnG — Aashin Prasad (@aashin23) March 26, 2024
Indian team's struggles
The Blue Tigers looked devoid of ideas and for the major part, were dominated by a well-drilled Afghanistan side, coached by Ashley Westwood, popular in these areas, owing to his punditry stints on Indian television channels.
Afghanistan players were brave and dominated the midfield battle asLalengmawia Ralte, Brandon Fernandes and Jeakson Singh failed to put in a shift. After constantly knocking on the door, the neighbours made the breakthrough in the 70th minute as a deflection off Rahul Bheke, slotted into the back of the Indian net as goalkeeper Gurpreet Sandhu was left wrong-footed.
The pressure was increased and Sandhu conceded a soft penalty in the dying minutes of the game which was converted with ease byMukhammad.
The defeat raises question marks over Stimac's future, especially after the Croatian said in the buildup that he would resign if the team did not qualify for the next round.
“If I don’t take India to the third round I will leave, with my pride, with my honour on everything that was done here in the five years of work. I will leave my position to someone else,” Stimac said on the eve of India’s home leg fixture.
Prior to the Asian Cup in January this year, Stimac remarked that he prioritised qualification to the third round over the continental cup as it booked a direct entry into the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. However, it looks like Stimac may have failed on both fronts.
(With inputs from agencies)