'Can't put ribbons on donkey and call it horse' - Indian football team fans lash out after loss to Afghanistan in FIFA WC Qualifiers

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 :March 26, 2024 at 9:52 PM

Modified at :March 26, 2024 at 9:52 PM

(Courtesy : AIFF Media)

Afghanistan managed to secure a comeback win over the Indian football team.

The recent FIFA World Cup Qualifiers match between India and Afghanistan, held in Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium Guwahati, India, left fans in dismay as India suffered a shocking 2-1 defeat. The aftermath of the game flooded social media platforms, especially Twitter (X), with a wave of frustration and disappointment among supporters.

Sunil Chhetri’s Emotional Moment

One of the most poignant images circulating on Twitter (X) was that of Sunil Chhetri, the Indian captain, visibly distraught on the bench after the match. This picture captured the collective mood of Indian football fans, reflecting the depth of their disappointment.

Feel bad for Chhetri, this man deserves so much better 💔#indianfootball #stimacout pic.twitter.com/XlxR1o4EFj
— Adi (@med_maven) March 26, 2024

If you expect anything better for #IndianFootball , please leave asap @stimac_igor pic.twitter.com/ndAd8abLdH
— Birjoy KS 🇮🇳 (@SportzTalk_BKS) March 26, 2024

Sunil Chhetri is all Indian football fans right now. pic.twitter.com/ryMS6aRN1W
— Akshata Shukla (@shukla_akshata) March 26, 2024

I'm literally crying 😭💔.Choose Chess, Not #IndianFootball . It's full of pain. pic.twitter.com/Dt6eukY1XJ
— ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಿ ತನಯ (@ManjuKBye) March 26, 2024

Calls for Change: Fans Demand Action Against Head Coach and AIFF

Many fans expressed their dissatisfaction with the team’s performance, with some calling for the removal of head coach Igor Štimac and questioning the role of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in the team’s management. The sentiment was overwhelmingly critical, with fans citing the lack of commitment and creativity among players as major concerns.

There are many other big problems in Indian football, sacking coach is the last and the easiest one. If you wanna say anything against coach, say 101 things agains aiff first. @kalyanchaubey #indianfootball
— Cleantackle (@CleanTackle_in) March 26, 2024

@chetrisunil11 gave everything for the sport. He gave his life for his country. And what did we give him? Nothing. AIFF and the entire politics around football ruined the game for us. Bad manager, bad environment just fucking terrible.Shame on Indian Football. #IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/pikGVD48e8
— The Cow Corner (@_cow_corner_) March 26, 2024

Sh!t Indian football, Sh!t AIFFNo project no visionwe are losing against 158th rank afganistan, who are under rule of talibanShame on Indian football !Igor stimac need to be sacked5 years he has been there and our rank has decreased only.#AIFF #SackIgorStimac #INDAFG
— Priyanshu Sahu (@Priyanshu_njr) March 26, 2024

@_AIFF_ please book his return ticket quickly. Our country is playing third class football only for this man. His selection strategy is a flop, he did not select Nandha Kumar, Vibin Mohanan. Mr. Kalyan Chaubey please keep focused on Indian football. #gobackstimac pic.twitter.com/q3wyuac9qz
— Ayan Chakraborty (@AyanCha34051642) March 26, 2024

We don't need you @stimac_igor ! Just go back ! https://t.co/ggJsUpoWOs
— Aishwarya Chakraborty (@AishuuSpeaks) March 26, 2024

Lackluster Performance: Critics Slam Players’ Commitment and Creativity

The frustration was palpable, especially considering India’s inability to secure a favorable result against a lower-ranked team like Afghanistan. Fans lamented the missed opportunities and the perceived lack of cohesion on the field.

One of the most Embarrassing moment in Indian football history. #indianfootball #indiavsafghanistan pic.twitter.com/afnQ3XDeTy
— Drog BABA (@TheDrogBABA) March 26, 2024

Crores of Salaries for NT playersOne of the most expensive Asian LeaguesOne of the most supported NT in AsiaMost supported NT coach in HistoryMost money spent in any 4 year cycle for NTMost preparatory friendlies ever for any NT No result. Only failure.#IndianFootball
— Sayak Dipta Dey 🇮🇳 (@sayakdd28) March 26, 2024

I had the good fortune of working on Indian football from 2013-2023. I made friends with players, some of them I saw as kids who grew up and I see them as young kids even today. I will always defend themBut today was a DISGRACE. Nobody deserves this performance.
— Maurya Mondal (@mauryamondal) March 26, 2024

Tweets poured in, highlighting the disappointment and disillusionment among Indian football enthusiasts. Calls for introspection and improvement reverberated across Twitter (X), signaling a collective desire for better performances from the Indian football team.

You can't put ribbons on a donkey and call it a horse, however expensive the ribbons may be. #IndianFootball
— Arka (@ArkaTweets1) March 26, 2024

What's went wrong for Indian Football?#IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/yvmW2WmSXC
— Hari (@Harii33) March 26, 2024

Even Hyderabad FC Indian squad plays better football#IndianFootball
— Hari (@Harii33) March 26, 2024

Igor Stimac being Sacked in the tunnel. I need that, we need that. I can't bear this now. Now wait for him to blame everything on clubs, grassroots and players.Does Afghani have better grassroots than us?They are not even playing with their 1st team players#IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/ncws8o5CAN
— Vishal 🏝️ (@Vishal_FCB) March 26, 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.