Egypt veteran Gomaa - who helped Ahli finish sixth, third, fifth and fourth respectively in four previous Club World Cup appearances - is now hopeful of a new achievement in the FIFA competition.

"I wish we would be able to finish in a different position in the Club World Cup this time," Gomaa, 38, told Ahli's website.

Ahli open their Club World Cup campaign against Asian champions Guangzhou Evergrande in Morocco's Agadir on Saturday.

Should Ahli overcome the Chinese opponents, the African champions will set up an awaited clash with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich three days later.