SYDNEY, Nov. 1 (Xinhua) -- Australia on Wednesday secured a berth in the third round of the AFC Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament after topping Group A with three consecutive wins in their Round 2 contests.

In their wrap-up match against Chinese Taipei, Australia had 19 footballers left on the roaster, as forward Cortnee Vine was ruled out due to a hamstring injury, along with midfielder Emily van Egmond and defender Ellie Carpenter also departing early to assume their respective club duties.

The first half saw the near full-strength Matildas, captained by Sam Kerr, dominate almost every facet of the game but make no stride in scoring a goal.

The defense of Chinese Taipei held strong, highlighted by the performance of goalkeeper Cheng Ssu-Yu who kept her composure, albeit being peppered with 17 shots from Australia.

In the 62nd minute, 20-year-old young gun Mary Fowler gave Australia a 1-0 lead by unleashing a powerful strike from outside the penalty area. Six minutes later, Kerr took advantage of a cross into the box by Caitlin Foord for a smooth tap-in.

In front of more than 19,000 thrilled fans at Perth's HBF Park, the 30-year-old skipper was substituted off the pitch straight after the goal, but her teammate Tameka Yallop extended the electrifying moment by making it to 3-0 in the 76th minute.

Earlier in the day, the Philippines edged past Iran 1-0 thanks to a 19th-minute goal from Tahnai Annis. But the Philippines missed out on the next round campaign, as Uzbekistan defeated India 3-0 in their final Group C tie to finish as the best-ranked runners-up. Enditem

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