Heartland skipper ThankGod Ike is convinced that the Nigerian outfit will go beyond the CAF Champions League group stage. Last year's runners-up have been drawn in Group B alongside Egyptian duo Ahli and Ismaili as well as Algeria's JS Kabylie. ThankGod admitted that securing a berth in the semi-finals will entail huge efforts but is adamant that Heartland are capable of going through. "This is a more difficult draw than what we had last year," the highly-rated defender told KickOffNigeria.com. "But we believe in ourselves and we know that if we win our home games and get at least one draw away from home, we will qualify." Heartland are the only side in Group B who have never won the Champions League, but ThankGod said this fact wouldn't affect their qualification chances. "We have confidence in our team and we know that if we play our game, we can beat any team anywhere," he added. Hard Group On the other hand, Ahli manager Hossam Al-Badri stated that the group stage will witness fierce competition between all four teams. "It's a hard group," he told Ahli's official website. "Heartland are a powerful African team who reached last year's final. "Ismaili are there too. Our matches are always full of rivalry but at least we won't have to travel abroad to play one of the two legs. "Our meeting with JS Kabylie will be fiery because of the unpleasant relationship between Egypt and Algeria."
