Vietnamese champions Binh Duong claimed a slender 2-1 advantage in their AFC Cup semi-final tie with Syrian counterparts Al Karamah after recording a deserved win in today's first leg at Binh Duong Stadium.

Tran Chi Cong's early header sent Binh Duong on their way before South African striker Philani pounced just before half-time to hand the home side a comfortable lead following a one-sided first period. Rain at start of the second half made playing conditions difficult and, despite the home side continuing to dominate, 2006 AFC Champions League runners-up Al Karamah snatched a potentially crucial away goal through Ahmad Alomier ahead of next week's second leg in Syria.

Binh Duong, who disposed of Thai powerhouses Chonburi in the last eight to become the first Vietnamese team to reach the last four of a continental competition, made a slow start against their experienced opponents, but soon settled and were rewarded after after 18 minutes as Tran powerfully met Nguyen Vu Phong's left-wing corner to open the scoring.

Recalled Binh Duong goalkeeper Nguyen The Anh was quick off his line to avert any danger midway through the first half before Al Karamah's Mohanad Al Ibrahim fired over from the edge of the area. However, it was the home side who doubled their lead four minutes before the break as Philani muscled his way into the area and slid the ball under the advancing goalkeeper.

With torrential rain falling, a piece of last-gasp defending from Al Karamah five minutes after the restart denied Philani before Nguyen Huu Thang's dipping effort from outside the area just cleared the crossbar as the home side continued to press.

Aattef Jenniant rescued Al Karamah midway through the second half as he recovered to clear Nguyen Vu Phong's scuffed effort away from the empty net following good work from Binh Duong's Argentinean striker Eduardo Gaston Molina. And the visitors took full advantage of the let off with 22 minutes remaining as Alomier swept home from just inside the area.