Gignac, who scored twice in Tigres' win over Asian champions Ulsan Hyundai in the opening match of the tournament, found the net from the spot after 54 minutes at Education City Stadium.

It proved enough to send Tigres, the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Champions League winners, through to the final, where they will meet either Al Ahly of Egypt or European giants Bayern Munich.

Tigres are the first CONCACAF team to progress to the final of FIFA's showpiece competition for club sides.

The decisive moment of the match came nine minutes into the second half, when Tigres were awarded a penalty.

Gignac struck the ball powerfully into the bottom corner to give the Mexican side the lead and that was the way it stayed as Palmeiras, the pre-match favourites, struggled to fashion any clear-cut opportunities.

Qatar's Al-Duhail finished fifth after they overcame Asian champions Ulsan Hyundai 3-1.

Goals from Edmilson Junior, Mohammed Muntari and Almoez Ali helped the Qatari side, invited to the tournament as the host nation's representatives, spring a surprise and finish the event on a high.

Yoon Bit-garam scored for Ulsan Hyundai, but it was little more than a consolation for the South Korean team.

The tournament continues tomorrow with the second semi-final.