Zamalek striker Ahmed Hossam "Mido" will miss African Champions League round of 32 clash against Ivorian club Africa Sports on Sunday due to back pains.

Coach Hassan Shehata had decided to do without Mido after the medical staff recommended that the player be given a rest to avoid aggravating his injury, a club source told Ahram Online.

The former Ajax, Tottenham and AS Roma hitman began his career with the White Castles before travelling abroad to play for several top European clubs.

The 29-year-old forward scored the winner in Zamalek’s 1-0 home win over Tanzania’s Young Africans in the preliminary round, but was substituted during the interval after picking up a groin injury.

The Cairo giants will host the Ivoirians at Military Academy Stadium behind closed doors in the first leg of the competition’s round of 32. The visitors’ coach, meanwhile, who arrived with his players in Cairo on Tuesday, is confident that his team will have the upper hand.

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter: @AO Sports)