SYDNEY (2 November 2023) – As expected, Australia have qualified for the third round qualifiers of the Olympic Games 2024 after a perfect record of three wins from three matches played in Group A of the second qualifying round this week.
Following up from their 2-0 win over Iran and then 8-0 bashing of the Philippines earlier, the world’s no. 11 side then overcame Chinese Taipei 3-0 last night to top Group A.
Even with newly-crowned 2022 AFC Women’s Player of the Year Samantha Kerr leading the frontline, Australia were left frustrated in the first half before getting the opener through Mary Fowler in the 62nd minute.
Two further goals from Kerr in the 68th minute and Tameka Yallop (76th minute) sealed the victory for Australia and their place in the next round.
In the meantime, the Philippines’ hope of a place in the next round was dashed even though they scored a slim 1-0 win over Iran in their final game in Group A.
The Philippines’ winner came in the 19th minute through Alicia Barker.
However, the win failed to ensure the Philippines’ progress to the third round qualifiers when they were pipped by Uzbekistan, who beat India 3-0 in their final Group C tie.
Other ASEAN representatives Thailand, completed their Group B fixtures with a 7-0 thrashing at the hands of North Korea while Vietnam were outplayed 2-0 by Japan in Group C.
The third round qualifiers will be played in February 2024 with the four qualified teams – Australia, DPR Korea, Japan and Uzbekistan – set to play in two pairs of home and away matches.
The two winning teams will then fill the two berths on offer for Asia at the 2024 Olympic Games Women’s Football tournament.
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