The 20-member Dhofar FC team of Oman arrived in Margao, Goa, on Monday for the AFC Cup match against Mumbai's Mahindra United on Wednesday.
The team has come without their five main players, who are in South Korea to play an exhibition match, while their captain Hani-al-Dhaba is injured.
"We have not seen our opponent playing and so we do not know their strength. It will be an interesting match and we are expecting a close fight," Dhofar team manager Salaa Mohammed told reporters on arrival.
Meanwhile, the Mahindra United team arrived on Sunday. The players are all looking fit and raring to go.
With three titles under their belt this season, the red brigade will be going into the match with a positive mindset.
"We need to collect as many points in our home matches to start the championship on a high note. We need a solid platform from where we can take-off," Mahindra manager and former international goalkeeper Henry Menezes said.
"If our boys play to their potential we have a good chance of qualifying for the next round," he added.
