Zamalek will once again have to do without key playmaker Ayman Hefni when they meet Libya’s Ahli Tripoli in their second African Champions League group-stage game on Tuesday.

Hefni missed Thursday’s 2-1 Egyptian league victory over Wadi Degla due to what the club said was a groin complaint.

Although the player was fit for Zamalek’s opening Group B clash at home to Zimbabwe’s Caps United last week, coach Augusto Inacio opted to leave him out, citing “technical reasons”.

Hefni has been one of Zamalek’s most consistent performers since joining in the summer of 2014 from fellow Egyptian Premier League club Talae El-Geish.

He led the White Knights to the domestic double in 2015 but his displays this term have been below his usual high standards, scoring only three goals in 21 league appearances and providing four assists.

Zamalek opened their group stage campaign with an easy 2-0 win over Caps United in Alexandria, thanks to two second-half headers from Bassem Morsi and Stanley Ohawuchi.

The last year’s runners-up are seeking to win Africa’s lucrative club competition for the first time since 2002.

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