Ahly striker Emad Meteb will miss next month’s clash against Nigeria's Sunshine Stars in the African Champions League semis on 6 October, the Cairo giants said late on Monday.

The 29-year-old hitman had been doubtful for the match due to kidney stones, but his absence is now confirmed.

"Meteb 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," the club said in a statement on their official website.

Meteb, who has recently recovered from a back injury, came on as a late substitute in Ahly’s 1-1 draw with arch-rivals Zamalek in their last Champions League group stage match last week.

He is Ahly's most reliable frontman, who are often blamed for lack of firepower despite boasting several strikers.

The Red Devils, who are bidding to win a seventh continental title, will travel to Nigeria on 4 October to face Sunshine Stars in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final.

Title holders Esperance of Tunisia take on four-time winners TP Mazembe of the DR Congo in the other semi-final clash.

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