Holders Ahli surprisingly exited the Champions League at the hands of Nigerian side Kano Pillars in the round of 16.

They will now play in Africa's secondary competition - the Confederation Cup.

"Ahli will add zest to the competition," Al-Ashri told Nile Sports after Hodoud eased into the third round with a 6-1 aggregate victory over EGSG of Tunisia.

"The existence of three Egyptian clubs (Hodoud, Ahli and ENPPI) will increase the country's chances of winning the title."

Although Egyptian clubs have the lion's share of African triumphs in the Dark Continent, the Confederation Cup is the only title to have evaded them.

This season's edition will witness the participation of some high-profile clubs who failed to get beyond the preliminary rounds in the Champions League.

Ivorian powerhouse ASEC Mimosas and last season's finalists Coton Sport were eliminated after losing to unfancied Monomotapa United and Heartland FC respectively.

"The Confederation Cup has become more of a Champions League," Al-Ashri added.

Realistic

Hodoud, who claimed their first title in history after overcoming ENPPI in the Egyptian Cup final earlier this year, are having a season to remember.

They lie third in the Egyptian Premier League table with 49 points and still have a chance of earning a historic place in the Champions League.

The military side are five points behind second-placed Ahli, the team whom they face later this month, with three matches to go.

"We have to be realistic. Our priority is to hold onto our third-place position," Al-Ashri commented.