SINGAPORE: Khairul Amri struck the only goal Wednesday as three-time champions Singapore beat the Philippines 1-0 to reach the AFF Suzuki Cup final against Thailand or Malaysia.

The Lions, who have never lost in their three previous title matches, will host the final's first leg next Wednesday against three-time winners Thailand or defending champions Malaysia. The second leg is on Dec 22.

Thailand and Malaysia meet in the deciding, second leg of their semi-final at Supachalasai Stadium Thursday following a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Kuala Lumpur.

Following a goalless semi-final first leg in Manila, Amri lashed home a shot from outside the box on 19 minutes after Shahdan Sulaiman's quickly taken free-kick caught the Philippines defence napping at Jalan Besar Stadium.

The hosts dominated the first half but they were unable to extend their lead as Azkals' keeper Eduard Sacapano denied Amri a second goal after clearing the ball straight to him and later stopped a shot from striker Alexander Duric, 42.

The visitors did not threaten until late in the half when Singapore 'keeper Izwan Mahbud smartly saved a low drive by Phil Younghusband and then came out to smother a shot by his brother James as he attacked on the break.

Phil Younghusband went close again in the 71st minute but it was a rare moment of real danger for Singapore as they hung on to reach their first Southeast final since 2007.

Amri also scored the decisive goal in the two-legged final in 2007, when Singapore edged Thailand 3-2 on aggregate.