Asante Kotoko captain Amos Frimpong is optimistic about their chances of progressing from the CAF Confederation Cup group stage which gets underway on Sunday.

On their return to the 'money zone' since 2008, the Porcupine Warriors have been drawn against Zambian duo Nkana FC and Zesco United and Sudanese outfit Al-Hilal Omdurman.

A match against the North Africans is set to get the Ghanaians' campaign underway.

"Our first priority is to qualify from our group," Frimpong told Fox FM.

"And looking at our performance so far, if we add a little to it, we can qualify."

Meanwhile, Ghana coach James Kwesi Appiah, a former boss of Al-Hilal, has assured Kotoko of their security in Sudan amid fears about the safety of the country.

“The insecurity is at South Sudan, not North Sudan where Kotoko are travelling to play, so there is no problem,” Appiah told Oyerepa FM.

“The tension is not in that [part of the] country but in the southern part, so the team should be courageous and have a winning mentality.

“I will urge all Ghanaians to support Kotoko as they go because it is now a national affair.”

Kotoko beat Kariobangi Sharks of Kenya 2-1 on aggregate in the first round and Coton Sport Garoua of Cameroon 5-3 on aggregate in the playoff round to make the group stage.