The Cairo duo were paired together in Group A of Africa's premier competition, along with Ivory Coast's ASEC Mimosas and Dynamos Harare of Zimbabwe.

Despite Ahli's complete dominance over arch-rivals Zamalek during the past few years, Helmi is unfazed by the draw's outcome.

"The champions have to overcome any obstacles regardless of their opponents' strength," he told Zamalek's official website on Saturday.

"The team which will progress as Group A winners will be the favorite to lift the trophy because it will have prevailed over the toughest of matches."

Nevertheless, Helmi believes the group shouldn't be rated as 'the group of death'.

"It is not that difficult. ASEC are weaker than they were several years ago. Africa Sports, whom we eliminated in the preliminaries, are stronger than them."

Tough Group

Ahli assistant coach Al-Badri does not share Helmi's view. He thinks all teams have a chance to qualify for the semi-finals.

"It is a tough group, compared to the other group which features Nigeria's Enyimba, Hilal (Sudan), Mazembe (Congo) and Cotonsport (Cameroon)."

"All the teams are strong. Even Dynamos can't be written off because they knocked out title holders Etoile Sahel.

"Ahli's technical staff has begun preparations for the group stage," Al-Badri added.