Ajax Fans Turn on Viktor Tsygankov After Difficult First Half Against Hajduk Split
Ajax’s Conference League trip to Croatia became a frustrating evening for the Dutch side, with supporters directing much of their half-time criticism at right winger Viktor Tsygankov. Ajax went into the break trailing Hajduk Split 1–0 after a subdued performance, and the Ukrainian struggled to provide the attacking spark fans were hoping to see.
The reaction was swift across Ajax-focused platforms, including Ajax Showtime and Voetbalzone. Some supporters questioned whether Tsygankov was the right fit for the club, while others called for a change on the right flank. Their comments reflected the wider frustration of a first half in which Ajax created little and gave the hosts an opportunity to seize control.
Hajduk Split Make Ajax Pay for a Costly Mistake
Ajax began the match with a chance to take the lead. Tolu Arokodare found himself in a promising position after eight minutes, but he hesitated and allowed the opportunity to pass. It was an early warning that Ajax would need to be sharper in front of goal if they were to quieten the home crowd.
Instead, the breakthrough went to Hajduk Split. In the 37th minute, Jofre Torrents lost possession, and Davy Klaassen was unable to stop the move from developing. Abdulia Sanyang took advantage, driving a powerful, low shot into the net to make it 1–0.
The goal left Ajax with little time to respond before half-time. Their limited threat in the final third made the deficit feel more significant, while Hajduk’s energy and direct attacking play gave the Croatian side momentum. For Ajax, the challenge after the interval was not only to find an equaliser, but also to show greater purpose in possession.
Tsygankov Becomes the Focus of Supporter Frustration
Although the team’s difficulties were not down to one player alone, Tsygankov became a prominent target of online criticism. Fans questioned his movement, influence and ability to make a difference from the right wing. One Ajax Showtime contributor described him as a poor signing, arguing that the winger had not shown enough to justify confidence in his role.
Other commenters expressed similar doubts, placing Tsygankov in what they called a “poor signings” category. Some supporters compared him unfavourably with alternatives in the squad, suggesting that younger players or other available options could offer more energy and invention on the flank.
One fan argued that even if Míchel Sánchez did not consider Bounida a natural right winger, it would be difficult for him to produce less than Tsygankov had in the first half. Another suggested trying Ouazane or Edvardsen on the right, describing the Ukrainian’s display as a disappointment.
The criticism was not limited to questions about selection. One supporter compared Tsygankov to a weaker version of former Ajax winger Dennis Rommedahl, while another said the player looked as though he was making his first appearance on a football pitch. Such comments were clearly emotional, but they underline how quickly expectations can turn into scrutiny when a team is trailing and its wide players are struggling to influence the match.
Steven Berghuis’ Absence Adds to the Debate
Tsygankov’s performance also prompted some fans to think about Steven Berghuis, who was unavailable in Croatia because of physical problems. One Voetbalzone user remarked that watching the Ukrainian had almost made them miss Berghuis. The comparison reflects the importance supporters place on creativity and decision-making from Ajax’s wide positions.
Berghuis’ absence removed an experienced attacking option from the team, but it did not automatically make Tsygankov’s task easier. Instead, the situation highlighted the pressure on the players asked to fill that creative gap. Ajax need their wide attackers to stretch the opposition, combine with the midfield and deliver useful service into the penalty area—particularly when the central route is crowded.
What Ajax Need to Improve After the Break
Ajax’s response in the second half would be important both for the result and for the mood around the team. A more effective approach could involve quicker passing, stronger support around the ball and more decisive runs behind Hajduk’s defence. The Dutch side also needed to make better use of the space out wide rather than allowing attacks to slow down before reaching the final third.
For Tsygankov, the most direct way to answer criticism would be through his performance. A successful dribble, a dangerous cross or a well-timed run could change the tone of the discussion. At the same time, the responsibility rests with the whole team: Ajax’s early missed chance and the loss of possession before Sanyang’s goal both contributed to the difficult position.
Football Prediction: Pressure on Ajax to Respond
At half-time, the match remained open, but the scoreline gave Hajduk Split a valuable advantage. Ajax had the quality to raise their level, yet they needed to turn possession into genuine chances and avoid further mistakes. Any football prediction for the remainder of the contest depended on whether the visitors could show greater urgency without becoming careless at the back.
The online reaction should also be viewed in context. Supporter criticism after a poor half can be intense, and one performance does not settle the debate about a player’s long-term value. Still, the response to Tsygankov showed how much scrutiny comes with wearing an Ajax shirt, especially when the team is struggling in a European fixture.
With Ajax trailing and their attacking rhythm yet to emerge, the second half offered an opportunity for both the team and the winger to change the narrative. Whether Tsygankov could deliver a convincing response—and whether Ajax could recover from Sanyang’s opener—became the central questions of a tense night in Croatia.
