Solo Singapore Fan Cheers on Lions in Vietnam During AFF Semi-Final

On December 29, 2024, in a stadium filled with over 15,000 Vietnamese supporters, one lone Singaporean fan stood proudly in the away section of the Viet Tri Stadium, passionately cheering for the Singapore national football team during their semi-final match in the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Championship.

The Lions faced a challenging contest against Vietnam, ultimately losing 3-1, which resulted in a 5-1 aggregate defeat, bringing an end to their campaign in the tournament. Despite the loss, the sight of a single Singaporean fan in the stands captured the attention of many.

Ong Wee Hern, a 29-year-old football enthusiast, spoke to Mothership about his journey. His love for the sport began with his father, a devoted Liverpool fan. “Football has always been a big part of my life, and as a Singaporean, it’s only natural to support our national team,” Ong explained.

Having already booked his flight to Vietnam on December 23, Ong was determined to witness the second leg of the semi-final. He even arranged to stay at the same hotel as the Singapore team and shared his experience on Instagram. He was especially thrilled to be at the Viet Tri Stadium, a venue that had hosted the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam.

During the second half of the match, another Singaporean supporter joined Ong in the stands, making their presence even more noticeable among the home crowd. Reflecting on Singapore’s performance, Ong expressed pride in the Lions’ effort, although he believed there were areas in which the team could still improve.

For other Singaporean fans considering attending away matches, Ong offered some encouraging words: “Don’t let fear hold you back. Take the leap of faith. There’s always a way to overcome the challenges along the way.”

The loss in Vietnam marked the end of Singapore’s journey in the AFF Championship. In the first leg of the semi-final, Singapore had already fallen behind 2-0, and the 3-1 defeat in the second leg sealed their exit.

Head coach Tsutomu Ogura praised his players for their resilience, noting that despite the defeat, they had demonstrated their growth throughout the tournament. “The team showed improvement in every match, and I’m incredibly proud of them,” Ogura said. He also expressed satisfaction in showcasing the Lions’ fighting spirit to fans back home, despite Vietnam’s strong performance.

Captain Hariss Harun also acknowledged the team’s progress, emphasising the invaluable support from Singaporean fans. “Our supporters have been amazing. Their encouragement means so much to us. We’re not perfect, but they can see our determination. I hope this continues in the future.”

Looking ahead, Singapore’s next challenge is the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, which begin on March 25, 2025, with a match against Hong Kong.