Amidst a roaring crowd of 15,000 fans at Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho, Vietnam, one Singaporean stood out on Sunday, December 29. Among the vibrant sea of home supporters cheering for their team in the ASEAN Championship semi-final second leg, 28-year-old Ong Wee Hern’s presence in the away stand was unmistakable. Despite the Lions’ slim hopes of advancing to the final and the cold weather of 17-18 degrees Celsius, Ong’s support for his team remained steadfast.
The journey to Phu Tho was not a simple one for Ong, who traveled from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, then onward to Hanoi, and finally to the northern province of Phu Tho. Yet, despite Singapore’s 1-3 defeat in the match, he was filled with pride for the team’s performance. “I am very proud of the way the Lions played,” Ong said after the game. “Even when we were playing in conditions like this, I saw the Lions put up a fight. We could even score a goal against Vietnam, who is very strong.”
The loss meant that Singapore was eliminated with a 1-5 aggregate score after a 0-2 defeat in the first leg in Singapore just days earlier. While the Lions’ hopes of reaching the final were dashed, Ong took heart in their fighting spirit and resilience. For him, the team’s efforts were a source of pride, even in the face of defeat.
As a marketing executive and avid content creator, Ong’s passion for football and storytelling often intertwine. Known for shooting and editing vlogs across various genres, he explained that sports is his “niche.” Ahead of the game, he expressed a mix of hope and realism, saying, “I know it’s a tough task, but I’m happy to be here. It feels a bit awkward being one of the few Singaporean fans in this section, but it’s worth it.”
Ong’s dedication to supporting the Lions goes beyond this match. Over the years, he has followed the team to various away games, including a World Cup qualifier in South Korea and group-stage matches against Timor Leste and Malaysia in this year’s ASEAN Championship. He fondly recalled the excitement of watching Singapore secure a crucial draw against Malaysia at Bukit Jalil Stadium, a result that earned them a place in the semi-finals. “I was elated—it was such an incredible moment,” he shared.
At Viet Tri Stadium, Ong was not the only Singaporean present, as small groups of Lions supporters were scattered throughout the crowd. However, his presence in the designated away section stood out in stark contrast to the overwhelming number of home fans, who cheered with unbridled enthusiasm. “They are super passionate,” Ong said, admiring the energy of the Vietnamese supporters. “I really like the Vietnamese fans—they’re so enthusiastic and create such an amazing atmosphere.”
For Ong, the experience at Viet Tri Stadium was more than just a football match. It was a testament to his unwavering support for the Lions and a celebration of the sport’s ability to bring people together. Despite the team’s elimination, his pride in their efforts and his appreciation for the vibrant atmosphere left an indelible mark on his journey as a dedicated football fan.
Leave a Reply