ABU DHABI, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Super League topscorer Wu Lei grabbed a superb brace to earn China a comfortable 3-0 victory over the Philippines in the AFC Asian Cup Group C here on Friday.
The win has guaranteed a round of 16 berth for China who beat Kyrgyzstan 2-1 in their first group match. China remain topping Group C with 6 points and will take on South Korea in the final group match.
During the match against the Philippines, Wu Lei, who scored 27 times to win the Golden Boot of the Chinese Super League last season, lifted China to 1-0 lead with a brilliant curling before the break. The 27-year-old had a brace with a volley in the 65th minute on Hao Junmin's free kick.
China dominated possession but the Philippines were a persistent threat until Wu unleashed the ball to the top left corner in the 40th minute. The Philippines came close to equalising before the half break before Kevin Ingreso's shot from long range was saved by keeper Yan Junling.
Wu, the Shanghai SIPG star, could have a hat-trick but his right-footed shot from the centre of the box was denied by Philippines' goalkeeper Falkesgaard.
Substitute Yu Dabao, who scored the winning goal for China in the Kyrgyzstan game, added a third just moments after leaving the bench with a header from close range in the 80th minute.
