Sunshine Stars have acknowledged being paired in a tough group in the 2012  CAF  Champions League.

The Akure Gunners will face Esperance of Tunisia, Etoile du Sahel Sportive and AS Chlef of Algeria – all north African clubs – in the group stage of the continent’s biggest club football competition this year.

Sunshine Stars’ head coach, Gbenga Ogunbote agrees it is a tricky and tough pairing for his team.

“No doubt the other teams in our group are quality sides and surprisingly they are all North African sides. At least we know our opponents before we kick a ball and now we will work towards reaching the semifinals.

“Agreed we are the only team in the country remaining on the continent. We will have to give everything to fly the country’s flag well and I am confident we have the team to do so,” he said.

Midfielder Ekundayo Ojo believes his side’s home form in the group stage will be key in reaching the last four.

“Well, we are in a very tough group. If we can win all our three home games and get one away win, we are through to the semifinals,” he said.