BANGKOK, Aug 18 (Reuters) - Thailand secured a place in the final of the ASEAN Championship on Tuesday despite losing 2-1 to Singapore in Bangkok as the seven-times champions completed a narrow 4-3 aggregate victory.
Kakana Khamyol's 61st-minute penalty was decisive, the substitute sending his spot kick into the top corner after Wanchai Jarunongkran had been scythed down by Ryhan Stewart.
"I am proud of the players for getting to the final," said Thailand coach Anthony Hudson. "It's a big achievement for a young group, a mixed group so I'm very proud in that sense.
"Disappointed with the performance tonight. I felt we probably did enough to get a draw."
Singapore lost the first leg 3-1 at home but Harhys Stewart reduced the deficit in the final minute of the first half, thumping the ball into the net from distance after goalkeeper Kampon Phatomakkakul had come off his line to clear.
Kakana levelled the scores on the night with his penalty but the Singaporeans went back in front four minutes later when Ryhan Stewart's low strike was deflected into his own goal by Thailand defender Pansa Hemviboon.
Teerasak Poeiphimai hit the post twice in the latter stages as Thailand sought to level the second leg score but still managed to advance.
Hudson's side will take on either defending champions Vietnam or Malaysia over two legs in the final. Vietnam lead Malaysia 2-0 from the first leg in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.
(Reporting by Michael Church, Editing by XXXX)
