India’s opponents in the Intercontinental Cup may not be as tough as the ones they will come across in the AFC Asian Cup, but the invitational tournament will be good preparation for the continental showpiece, reckoned head coach Igor Stimac on Thursday.

India’s real build-up to the Asian Cup will begin with their Intercontinental Cup opener against Mongolia here on Friday. Both Stimac and captain Sunil Chhetri said the team has prepared well for the tournament.