31-12-2024 (HANOI) In a remarkable display of unwavering support, a solitary Singaporean supporter found himself surrounded by 15,000 passionate Vietnamese fans at the Viet Tri Stadium, where his spirited presence became a testament to pure footballing devotion.
Twenty-eight-year-old Ong Wee Hern emerged as Singapore’s sole representative in the stands during their crucial match against Vietnam, which ended in a 3-1 defeat for the Lions, resulting in a 5-1 aggregate loss. Despite the challenging circumstances and chilly 17-degree temperatures, Ong’s enthusiasm never wavered as he proudly waved his national scarf throughout the encounter.
“The Lions showed tremendous heart today,” Ong told reporters after the match, his voice brimming with pride despite the result. “Watching our lads battle in these cold conditions and even managing to score against a formidable Vietnamese side was truly inspiring.”
His journey to the match resembled an adventurous expedition, involving multiple flights from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, then to Hanoi, before finally reaching Phu Tho province. “I arrived harbouring hopes of witnessing what I dubbed ‘The Miracle of Viet Tri,'” Ong shared, acknowledging the two-goal deficit his team faced from the first leg.
The passionate supporter’s solo mission was briefly transformed into a duo when Camilla Ross, a Singaporean student based in Vietnam, spotted Ong’s social media posts and joined him in the away section. “When I saw his photos on Facebook, I knew I had to find him,” Ross explained. “It felt like finding a piece of home amidst the sea of Vietnamese supporters.”
This wasn’t Ong’s first venture supporting the Lions abroad. His dedicated following of the national team has taken him to various corners of Asia, including South Korea for World Cup qualifiers and Malaysia for the recent ASEAN Cup fixtures.
Following the final whistle, Ong remained philosophical about Singapore’s tournament exit. “Reaching the semi-finals exceeded everyone’s expectations,” he reflected. “This campaign has given us numerous moments to be proud of.”
