Singapore goal machine Khairul Amri is starting to get into AFF Suzuki Cup mode as the tournament’s Official Draw takes place next week in Jakarta on May 2.

When asked about his hopes for this year’s tournament, following two disappointing campaigns in 2014 and 2016, he said: “Like every tournament, try and win it!”

Speaking to affsuzukicup.com, the 33-year-old Tampines Rovers forward was in relaxed mood.

Two years ago Singapore were drawn in a Group with Indonesia, Philippines, and Thailand - aptly named the “Group of Death”.

And when asked who would be his preferred teams this year the star striker joked: “Thailand and Indonesia … the Group of Death!”

Amri put Singapore 1-0 up in the first half against Indonesia in the final Group game in 2016 and the Lion City looked on course to progress to the semi-finals.

However, the Indonesians scored two goals in the last 20 minutes to see Singapore finish bottom of their Group.

Two years earlier Amri’s team also failed to make it to the knock-out round when in similar circumstances they went out in their last match but on that occasion against the old enemy Malaysia.

With the score 1-1 in stoppage-time Singapore were set for a berth in the semi-finals but in dramatic and controversial circumstances Malaysia were awarded a penalty in the 93^rd minute, which Safiq slotted home. Two minutes later Malaysian Indra Putra netted a third to rub salt into the wounds of the Singaporeans.

“Exiting the AFF Suzuki Cup in 2014 is my worst memory of the tournament as we were holding on until late in the game before the referee awarded a penalty to the Malaysians,” said Amri.

Fortunately Amri’s bad memories of the AFF Suzuki Cup are vastly outnumbered by the good ones.

He was on the winning team in 2004, 2007 and 2012 and scored in all three finals.

“No doubt my winner against Thailand when we won our third title in 2007 is my best memory,” says Amri.

That year he scored the decisive goal in the second-leg against Thailand in Bangkok. Singapore had claimed the first leg 2-1 at home but the Thais went 1-0 up in the first half in Bangkok to lead on away goals. But Amri saved the day and gave Singapore their second trophy in succession when he scored in the 83^rd minute.

Not surprisingly he is one of the top scorers in the tournament with 10 and will be looking to increase his tally later this year.

For the moment though and until the AFF Suzuki Cup kicks-off in November Amri is focused on helping Tampines bring an end to Albirex Niigata’s strangle hold on the Singapore Premier League.

He said: “We have been up and down and we have yet to hit our top form. There is a long way to go as the season has just started but winning the league is our main target.”