Dalian, Sep 8 (IANS): With their opening match in AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers cancelled because of a late pullout by the Maldives, the Indian team now faces a tougher task as it aims to qualify for the next stage in the competition.

Their first test in this campaign will be against host China in the revised fixtures which has left Clifford Miranda, chief coach of the Indian U23 squad, getting ready for a tactical battle.

The India U23 side has been hard at work ever since arriving at the Dalian Sports Centre four days ago, having adjusted to the revised fixtures.

Having completed four training sessions in China, coach Miranda is looking eager to put on a show in the match against hosts China at the Dalian Suoyuwan Stadium, on Saturday.

"Thankfully, because of the Maldives’ withdrawal, we got two extra days of training which turned out to be a blessing for us. With the extra time in hand, the tactical knowledge I could impart to the boys has been very useful," said Miranda, when asked about his training sessions over the last few days.

Miranda also said that he was impressed with how his players worked together and gelled in the short duration since the new team was assembled.

"The attitude of the players and their desire to learn has been wonderful to see. The bond these players have formed among themselves in such a short period of time has led to a great atmosphere within the team. The fact that most of the players have known each other since their days in youth set-ups and clubs is an added advantage. I hope that the camaraderie and togetherness that I see off the pitch will be reflected on the pitch as well," Miranda was quoted as saying by the aiff.com website.

With the Maldives withdrawing from the tournament, the coaching staff got to watch the remaining two teams, China PR and UAE, play out a goalless draw in the first game of the meet on Thursday.

"We have two very good and strong opponents. We watched that China PR wanted to play on the counter, while UAE were more comfortable building up from the back. As of right now, though, we are completely focused on tomorrow’s game against China," said Miranda.

"We expect them to come out very hard with a certain level of desperation as it will be their last match of the tournament, while for us it is the first game, which I’ve always maintained is the most important for any side," said the head coach.

Miranda added; "You may say that both teams are a level above us as of now, but if we stick together, play as one unit and keep our tactical discipline, we, I believe, will get the desired results."

In the end, coach Miranda said, "I can assure everyone that this team will produce a great performance tomorrow with a lot of grit and determination, which will hopefully be enough to get a favourable result."