"Right now, we don't have what it takes to be crowned African champions," the Portuguese told a press conference on Wednesday.

"Ahli need to sign new star players to be able to compete with the best African teams."

أخبار متعلقة:

هال سيتي قد يعيد جدو للأهلي في الـ10 من يناير شنايدر يوجه ضربة لمساعي مانشستر يونايتد لضمه

The Egyptian champions will kick-off their quarter-final campaign on Sunday, when they play Moroccan giants Wydad.

The last-eight is played in two groups, each contains four teams. The first and second of every group qualify to a knock-out phase.

Group B also include Algeria's Mouloudia and Esperance of Tunisia.

"We are not as powerful as the past few years. And this is normal," according to Jose.