African champions Ahli seem to be posing no threat to their opponents in Group B of the CAF Champions League quarter-finals. ASEC Mimosas coach Patrick Liewig echoed claims from Hilal Sudan manager that claim that the title holders are not as fearsome as they used to be. The Ivorian champions were eliminated from last year's competition after losing to eventual champions Ahli 3-2 on aggregate. "Even though the ousted us from the semi-finals at the hands of Ahli, we still managed to beat them 2-1 at home in the return-leg," Liewig told Ivorian daily Le Sport.
"Their quality is known and they have a lot of potential, but that doesn't concern us," added the Frenchman. ASEC begin their Group B campaign away to Tunisian giants Esperance on the weekend of June 22nd. Liewig highlighted the importance of a flying start in such a strong group. "In order to advance to the semis you have to win and enjoy a strong start that will help bag points. We are not worried because we know our opponents very well," he said. ASEC face Ahli on the weekend of July 6th in Abidjan and once again in the final round of the group stage in Cairo.