Roberts made the comments at an interaction with media-person at the ANFA Complex, Satdobato.[break]
Nepal will play against Afghanistan in their first match on Thursday, Sri Lanka on Saturday and North Korea -- dubbed as strongest team of the group -- on Monday. The top two teams of the group will qualify for the final round to be held later.
"The boys are ready to go and we have got a challenging job to qualify for the next round," Roberts said adding that his side would make it through to the knockout stage.
"The boys have worked very hard for last 10 weeks and even harder for the last two weeks," the 51-year old Briton said who formally took over the coaching job from February 1.
He, however, lamented over the insufficient friendly matches with international teams. "Among total nine friendly matches played, we played only two matches with the international side -- Bhutan, and seven with local clubs. Had we played more matches with international teams we could have tested the capabilities of our boys."
Roberts who is assisted by coaches Merhraj KC and Upendraman Singh in his job said that his players have made a great stride in fitness. "The boys have worked very hard during the training and they are physically fit," Roberts said.
Roberts whose side will take on Afghanistan in their first match said, he will now focus on Afghan which he had rated as a ´strong team´.
"However, I do not fear with Afghanistan, but they might be difficult for us as we have not seen them play and we must beat Afghanistan to qualify for the final round."
Afghanistan had qualified for group D qualifiers after defeating Bhutan 3-0 and 2-0 during playoffs about a week earlier. Likewise, before their playoff against Afghanistan, Nepal had defeated Bhutan 1-0 and 2-1 in two friendly matches held in Pokhara.
Regarding the players skill, he said there were talented players in his squad. "We should focus on scoring more and more goals."
"We don´t know about Sri Lanka but we can learn about their playing style after they play their first match against North Korea."
He also said that his side are capable of defeating North Korea. "If every player of the squad gives his full potential and play a team game we can beat North Korea. We have world class players and we need to play quickly."
He also assured that Nepal need not be afraid of the Koreans. "There will be 11 against 11 players in the field and a coach against another coach. For defeating North Korea you should be fully prepared," Roberts said.
He had dubbed his defending line up consisting of Rohit Chand and Sagar Thapa as the strongest part of his team and is also hopeful from striker Anil Gurung.
The coach was however, worried regarding midfielder Nirajan Khadka who picked up groin injury during a training session on Sunday and is doubtful whether he will be fit to play.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka national football team will be arriving in the capital on Monday.
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