India face Oman in the opener of the joint preliminary round two qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2023 AFC (Asian Football Confederation) Asian Cup.
Ahead of the clash at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Thursday, Oman coach Erwin Koeman expects a tough challenge against the hosts.
"We are prepared. Both the teams want to go to the next round. So it will be difficult. India are developing in football. It is good to see them prosper. Looking forward to starting the campaign with three points," said the 57-year-old.