Nicholas D'Agostino was on target for the Socceroos in their win over Uzbekistan.Credit:Getty Images
Uzbekistan were the dominant side for most the match,even after Oybek Bozorov was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Zach Duncan in the 59th minute.
Australia started well with D'Agostino rising to head the ball past goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov in the fifth minute,but the goal was disallowed after Nematov was fouled in the lead-up.
Uzbekistan winger Djasur Yakhshibaev had two good chances in the first half hour but headed one straight into Olyroos goalkeeper Tom Glover's hands and curled another just wide from the edge of the area.
Australia were on the back foot,but after the break they took a surprise lead when D'Agostino skipped past two defenders and sent a neat finish into the bottom corner.
The Olyroos had a chance to double their lead but midfielder Keanu Baccus'76th minute effort was dealt with by Nematov.
The Central Asian side refused to give up and continued to press for an equaliser in the final 10 minutes despite being a man down.
Yakhshibaev had a chance to send the match into extra time in the 89th minute,but sent his free kick over the crossbar.
A total of six minutes of stoppage time was added but Australia hung on to book their place in Tokyo.
South Korea and Saudi Arabia will play in the final of the AFC under-23 championships on Sunday night,with both teams already qualified for the Olympics.
AAP