Both players were reluctant to comply with their coaches' orders during Friday's training session.

They were consequently left out of Zamalek's 18-man squad for the African encounter.

"They won't be handed further punishments. We will not exaggerate the problem," Zamalek assistant coach Mohamed Helmi told FilGoal.com.

"The technical staff think Al-Tabie and Shikabala are not ready to play the game."

Despite Shikabala's undoubted talent, the winger is known for his fiery temper which cost him dearly.

Combative defender Al-Tabie repeatedly made controversial comments since his arrival at Zamalek from Turkish side Rizespor in the off season.

The Cairo giants face Africa Sports at home on Sunday in the first-leg of the CAF Champions League round of 32.

Zamalek squad:

Goalkeepers: Mohamed Abdul-Monsef, Abdul-Wahed Al-Sayed.

Defenders: Amr Al-Safti, Mahmoud Fathallah, Ahmed Ghanem, Tarek Al-Sayed, Karim Zekri, Mohamed Abdullah.

Midfielders: Ahmed Magdi, Mohamed Aboul-Ella, Mohamed Ibrahim, Hazem Emam, Magdi Attwa, Ahmed Abdul-Raouf.

Forwards: Sherif Ashraf, Mostafa Gaafar, Gamal Hamza, Amr Zaki.