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SINGAPORE - Singapore are through to the final of the Asean Football Championship, defeating arch-rivals Malaysia 5-4 on penalties in Saturday's thrilling encounter.
Defending champions Singapore were locked 1-1 against Malaysia after regulation time, forcing their semi-final match into extra time in front of a 55,000 capacity crowd at the National Stadium here.
Neither side scored after a tough 30-minute battle, prompting a penalty shootout.
Singapore finally emerged victors after keeper Lionel Lewis saved Malaysia's fifth shot from Khyril Zambri, sending the crowd into wild celebrations.
It was an agonising end for Malaysia who started the match in scintillating form, with Eddy Helmi Manan unleashing a powerful shot in the 57th minute that slipped past the Singapore keeper.
Muhammad Ridhuan equalised for Singapore in the 74th minute, tapping the ball into the net after the Malaysian keeper dropped Noh Alam Shah's header.
Singapore drew 1-1 against Malaysia in the first leg of the semi-finals in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.
The city-state play the winner of Sunday's Thailand-Vietnam clash in the final.
Regional powerhouse Thailand beat Vietnam 2-0 in their first semi-final encounter, with Vietnam desperate for revenge on Sunday.
Singapore coach Radojko Avramovic had issued a rallying cry to Singapore fans to turn out for the match after disappointing crowds earlier in the tournament.
- AFP /ls
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