Dynamos will open their campaign against the reigning champions

Dynamos of Zimbabwe are confident of success in this year's African Champions League, despite being drawn against the champions in their group.

The Harare giants open the group phase with a home game against the holders, TP Mazembe of DR Congo before going on to play Esperance and Entente Setif.

Former Dynamos coach David Mandigora says that the team are contenders.

"It is a tough draw but all the teams who get to this stage are very good sides" he told the BBC.

Dynamos open their campaign at home against Mazembe - a team they know well, because the Lubumbashi-based champions have frequently used Harare as a training base.

"I think we know them so it won't be very difficult to plan," Mandigora said.

"Mazembe will be tough but since we are playing our first game here in Zimbabwe I think if we get a good result then things will be better for us."

Mandigora, who was coach of Dynamos when they made it to the semi-finals of the competition in 2008, was very positive about the prospects of taking on two tough North African opponents.

"I think they should take us seriously - because I remember in 2008 we had Al Ahly and Zamalek, two of the strongest teams in Africa, and we managed to beat Zamalek at Rufaro and qualify for the semi-finals."

The first match of the group stage of the Champions League will take place over the weekend of 16-18 July with the last round of games being played on 17-19 September.

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