‘Embarrassing, shambolic’: Fans seethe after Afghanistan beat India 2-1 in World Cup Qualifiers | Watch

India suffered a humiliating 1-2 loss against Afghanistan's B-team in front of the home crowd at 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 celebration with the attending Indian fans which is 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.

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.

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 as Lalengmawia 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