Intro:

Striker Khairul Amri's first-half goal gives Singapore 1-0 win over the Philippines and a place in the final of the AFF Suzuki Cup.

Script:

After a goalless first leg, Singapore hosted the Philippines in the second leg of their AFF Suzuki Cup semi-final at the Jelan Besar Stadium on Wednesday.

Three-time champions Singapore came out with more intent and took the lead in the 19th minute as Khairul Amri fired home.

Amri could have doubled the lead a few minutes later when he found space on the edge of the area but his low shot was blocked by Philippines goalkeeper Eduard Sacapano.

The Philippines had their best chance three minutes before the break but their England-born striker Phillip Younghusband, after being set up by Angel Guirado, could only produce a weak shot from the edge of the area.

The hosts could have sealed the match in the 70th minute when Fazrul Nawaz's low shot was push out by Philippines goalkeeper Sacapano towards an unmarked Shahdan Sulaiman - but the midfielder failed to make contact the first time and his second attempt was easily cleared.

But it wouldn't matter in the end as Singapore held on to their one-nil lead to take a step closer to their fourth title.

Singapore will now wait for the winner between Thailand and Malaysia, who will clash in their second-leg of their semi-final in Bangkok on Thursday. They drew 1-1 in the first leg in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.