Ahly's new coach Fathi Mabrouk on Thursday admitted the difficulty of his mission with the club, saying, however, that he is optimistic regarding his side's fate in the domestic league and the Confederation Cup.

Ahly have appointed Mabrouk as their first team coach until the end of the season, replacing Mohamed Youssef, who resigned on Thursday.

Youssef had been under fire regarding the team's poor results this season.

''It will be a tough mission," Mabrouk told Ahram Sports on Thursday.

"But I am sure that the players will be able to pass this critical period."

Mabrouk will be in charge of preparations for the African Confederation Cup group stage and the remaining games of the league season.

Ahly are competing to reach the Egyptian Premier League's mini-league. They are currently third in Group A with 29 points, three behind leaders Smouha, with two games in hand.

The winner and runner-up in each group will qualify for the mini-league.

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