91Èȱ¬

Al Ahly striker Emad Moteab has been ruled out of the African Champions League semi-final first leg against Sunshine Stars next month.

The 29-year-old is suffering from kidney stones and will not recover in time for the Egyptian side's visit to their Nigerian opponents on 6 October.

Al Ahly wrote on their website: "Moteab will miss the team's trip to Nigeria as ordinary medicine failed to cure him.

"He will start laser treatment for his kidney pain on Tuesday."

Moteab has only recently recovered from a back problem and came off the bench in Ahly's 1-1 draw with Cairo rivals Zamalek in their last Champions League group stage match.

His absence is a major blow to Ahly, who have relied on Moteab's consistent performances, as they aim to build a platform to progress to the final and a shot at a seventh continental title.

Tunisian side Esperance, who are the defending champions, meet TP Mazembe of DR Congo in the other semi-final.