Zamalek manager Ahmed "Mido" Hossam says his team can't be compared to rivals Ahly after their recent failure in the African Champions League.

Ahly, the winners of the past two African Champions Leagues, joined the Confederation Cup after being eliminated last Saturday from the current Champions League, losing 3-2 at home to Libya's Ahly Benghazi with a 4-2 aggregate defeat.

On the other side, Zamalek, who are eyeing their first continental title since 2002, reached the Champions League group-stage on Sunday at the expense of Zambia's Nkana FC.

"Zamalek can't be compared to Ahly," Mido told Al-Hayat TV channel.

"With my all respect to Ahly, they were eliminated from the Champions League, but Zamalek qualified to play with the other heavy teams so they can't be compared," he added.

Both teams have been delivering poor results recently in the Egyptian Premier League, but Mido believes their chance of competing for the league title are still alive.

"Ahly and Zamalek always show a real threat when the league reaches its end," the former Ajax, Marseille, Roma and Tottenham striker said.

"Apart from their capabilities, the fans presence is also a great advantage for both teams," the rookie coach concluded.

The Reds, Ahly, currently lie in Group A in fourth place with 20 points, six adrift of leaders Smouha and three behind second-placed Ittihad of Alexandria, who are two games ahead.

The Whites, Zamalek, are seventh in Group B with 15 points, nine behind leaders Petrojet.

The winners and runners-up will advance to a four-team mini-league to determine the champion.

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