Ahly football director Sayed Abdel-Hafiz admitted on Tuesday that his side have been put in a difficult group for the CAF Champions League quarterfinals, but added that his team are ready to meet any challenge.
''Our group is very difficult; it requires serious preparation and the team's maximum concentration,'' Abdel-Hafiz told Ahram Online Tuesday.
Ahly were drawn into group B on Tuesday in Cairo, along with compatriots Zamalek, 2009/2010 African Champions TP Mazembe from DR Congo, and competition surprise Berekum Chelsea of Ghana.
"Despite the difficulty of the group, we're ready for any challenge since we're gunning for the African title," he added.
The six-time African champions are looking for their first African title since 2008, when the Red Devils clinched the prize at the expense of Cameroon side Coton Sports.
Ahly were eliminated from the round of 16 in 2009 before struggling against Esperance de Tunis in 2010 semis. In the last edition, Ahly were eliminated from the group stages after ending third in their group.
Regarding the anticipated clash with archrival Zamalek, Abdel-Hafiz expressed hope that both teams would make it to the semis.
''I hope the two teams reach the semi-finals. I think our two encounters will be a good occasion for the two clubs' supporters to avoid differences. It will also be a good chance to resume domestic football activity, which has been suspended since February's Port Said disaster," the Ahly official concluded.
Zamalek will host Ahly on day two of the championship, set to be played on the fourth week of July, while Ahly will host Zamalek on the last day of the quarter-finals in mid-September.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter: @AO Sports)
Short link: