SINGAPORE (AP) -Singapore outplayed Thailand 3-1 at home in the first leg of the Suzuki Cup final on Wednesday night.
Thailand has to beat Singapore by a margin of at least three goals in the return leg on Saturday to have a shot at its fourth title.
Thailand midfielder Adul Lahso scored his first international goal in the 59th minute to offset Fahruddin Mustafic's 10th-minute penalty.
Two minutes later, star forward Khairul Amri spun around two defenders in the box to shoot Singapore ahead 2-1.
Baihakki Bin Khaizan then scored off a corner in the 90th to give Singapore a big advantage going into Saturday's second leg at Bangkok.