The Zambian champions host Ahli on Saturday, with the Red Devils firm favorites to make it to the group stage. Nevertheless, coach Simukonda warns the Egyptian giants.

"We shall beat Ahli and I'm very confident about that," the man who led ZESCO to the Zambian title last term said.

"We're ready and our goal is within our reach and sight. We know that playing teams like Ahli, we need to get a good result at home so that we go into the return match with a cushion that would help us achieve our goal.

"We know that games at this level are always tough and competitive but we're ready for them. We believe in our ability and we're driven by our desire to succeed because we have a good enough team to compete very well at this level."

ZESCO’s highest Champions League achievement was reaching the group stage in 2009.