The military club failed to make it beyond the group stage of Africa's secondary competition last season but are determined to make amends this term.

"We want to compete for the title and win it," Al-Ashri, under whom Hodoud claimed their first ever title after winning the Egyptian Cup last season, told FilGoal.com.

"We don't want to repeat what happened last season, a group-stage exit will not satisfy us."

Hodoud, who overcame Ethiopia's Banks and Tanzania's Simba in their first two African contests this season, were drawn to face Botswana's Gaborone United in the Confederation Cup round of 16.

If they win the two-legged tie, they will book a place in the competition's group stage.

"The draw was good for us. Our opponents are not that strong," Al-Ashri added.

"However, we are taking nothing for granted. Gaborone won the league in Botswana so we have to be cautious.

"If we reach the group stage, we will have a chance to field the new players we will sign in the close season."

Alexandria-based club Hodoud lie sixth in the Egyptian Premier League table with just one match remaining.

They can ensure that they will take part in the Confederation Cup next season if they successfully defend their Egyptian Cup title.