The talented forward, who was expected to start upfront alongside Junior Agogo, did not show up at Arab Contractors stadium for unknown reasons.

Energetic midfielder Alaa Abdul-Ghani, who returned to action after a lengthy lay-off through injury, replaced him in Zamalek's 18-man squad.

Stand-in striker Mostafa Gaafar has been given a starting berth as a result.

Hamza has an undoubted talent but his progress is always hampered by off-field problems with Zamalek board.