'Just not acceptable' - Fans express disgust after India's exit from AFC Asian Cup 2023

By Alen Philip Mathew

Alen Philip Mathew has been a correspondent for Kerala Blasters, covering Indian football and Indian Super League for Khel Now since 2021.

Published at :January 23, 2024 at 8:28 PM

Modified at :January 23, 2024 at 8:28 PM

(Courtesy : AFC Media)

India lost all three group stage games in the AFC Asian Cup 2023.

The curtains have fallen on India‘s AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 campaign, marked by a somber note as the team suffered a 1-0 defeat against Syria in their final group stage match. This result officially eliminates India from the tournament, having faced losses in all three of their fixtures.

On social media platforms, the disappointment among fans is palpable, with a flurry of reactions pouring in after the conclusive defeat. Twitter (X), in particular, has become the battleground for fans to voice their sentiments.

Unhappy Fans Take to Social Media

The disappointment among the Indian football enthusiasts was palpable as they flooded Twitter (X) and other platforms with their reactions. Tweets ranged from frustration to outright criticism, reflecting the collective sentiment of fans who had high hopes for their team.

#India end their #AsianCup2023 campaign with a 0-1 loss to #Syria.Another disappointing match by the #BlueTigers, who go back without a point or a goal.Just not acceptable…#IndianFootball #AsianFootball
— Arunava Chaudhuri | arunfoot (@Arunfoot) January 23, 2024

I can't defend this team anymore 💔#IndianFootball
— BumbleBee (@silly_af_) January 23, 2024

Worst AFC Asian Cup campaign by India 🇮🇳. Changes must be at all front. #IndianFootball #AFCAsianCup2023 #SYRvIND
— Hiren Patel (@curiousharry19) January 23, 2024

This is not my teamWe don't play this patheticAll those progress we made in last 4 years are just shadows nowNo I've defended Igor in first two cause I knew opponents are better but this#BringMonolo or disband this team at least for 15 years #IndianFootball #AFCAsianCup2023 https://t.co/pYWGqfMF2B
— Adityaprakashsamantaray (@Adityapraksh2) January 23, 2024

These players can't give you wonders indians. This is the cold truth.. #indianfootball #BlueTigers #AFCAsianCup2023
— Subrata Das (@Subrata44357424) January 23, 2024

Call for Coach Stimac’s Removal

A significant portion of the fanbase directed their frustration towards the head coach, Igor Stimac. Calls for his removal echoed across social media, with fans demanding a change in leadership to revitalize the team’s performance.

End of our #AFCAsianCup2023 Dream. 💔Please go back @stimac_igor ! Don't wanna listen to the same lame excuses again and again! #IndianFootball
— Aishwarya Chakraborty (@AishuuSpeaks) January 23, 2024

When I say it, I mean it!Sack Igor Stimac#IndianFootball
— Suman (@Suman_24_1) January 23, 2024

I HOPE STIMAC WILL RESIGN HIM SELF TODAY, JUST CONSTANTINE DONE IN LAST TIME ASIAN CUP #IndianFootball
— VÏSHNÜ (@Vishnu006N) January 23, 2024

Dear stimac, plz leave now #IndianFootball
— Ramesh (@nikalbesaale) January 23, 2024

3 matches3 Loses 0 win0 goal scored6 conceded He managing since 2019 @stimac_igor #IndianFootball #stimacout pic.twitter.com/GR847xLWFV
— Levi ackerman (@tert_wert) January 23, 2024

Constructive Criticism and Advice

Amid the sea of disappointment, some fans took a more constructive approach. They offered insightful critiques and suggestions for areas which need improvement. These tweets aimed to contribute to the dialogue on how the team could bounce back from this setback.

As a indian i feel really sad someone says in some times ago india is a sleeping nation may be it's is true in sports we are sleeping nation 💔 we don't even score single goal in this tournament so what we accept but as a indian i still support my country 🇮🇳#IndianFootball
— its tanuj (@itstanuj1) January 23, 2024

Whoever is technical committee head either if u r a player or any political leader…just sack the stimac now#Stimacout Poor selection,poor tactics{Time to a fresh start it's enough}#IndianFootball #Asia
— Aegon Mishra🖤 (@Decent_boy07) January 23, 2024

Worst AFC Asian Cup campaign by India 🇮🇳. Changes must be at all front. #IndianFootball #AFCAsianCup2023 #SYRvIND
— Hiren Patel (@curiousharry19) January 23, 2024

Backing the Team for the Future

Despite the prevailing disappointment, a resilient faction of fans opted to back the team and expressed optimism for the future. They highlighted the need for continued support and believed in the potential for improvement in upcoming tournaments.

Although we lost all 3 games, but I still feel Indian team plays much better football and looks in shape while playing against stronger opponents. Improvement is slow process. I believe in @stimac_igor. #IndianFootball
— Com Truise. (@ComTruiseTweets) January 23, 2024

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Alen Philip Mathew

Football journalist with years of expertise covering Indian football, particularly Kerala Blasters and the Indian Super League. Alongside his passion for sports, he is a dedicated medical student. Alen specializes in match analysis, player interviews, and community reactions.