Singapore edge into final past heroic Philippines
Singapore are into their first AFF Suzuki Cup final for five years after a lone strike from Khairul Amri was enough to edge them into the decider with a slim 1-0 aggregate win over a gallant Philippines on Wednesday.
The second leg of the semi-final in Singapore remained delicately balanced throughout after the Lions and the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup semi-finalists played out a goalless draw in the first leg in Manila on the weekend.
Singapore had the upper hand in the first-half of the match at the Jalan Besar Stadium but only had the 19th minute effort from Amri, who scored Singapore's winner in the 2007 final, to show for their dominance.
Philippines had their moments in the second half however the Lions, who reached the third round of 2014 FIFA World Cup™ qualifying, used their experience to maintain their narrow advantage.
"It's absolutely great to get to the final and it is very nice that we have got there again," said Singapore's long-serving head coach Raddy Avromovic, who guided the Lions to glory in the 2004 and 2007 tournament.
Singapore will now meet the winner of tonight’s semi-final between Thailand and reigning champions Malaysia in Bangkok. The tie remains evenly poised after the pair shared a 1-1 draw last Sunday in Kuala Lumpur.
Thailand and Singapore have each won three of the eight championships played to date.