The African football’s governing body has suspended Samaka after his first sample, which was taken after the match against JS Kabylie in the quarter-finals, turned out positive.

But African champions Ahli filed an appeal to discard the first sample, which the club has claimed to have been compromised, the CAF official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told FilGoal.com.

CAF chose to run a second sample as not to jeopardize the player’s future, the official said, noting that Samaka would be banned for a year if the second sample turns out positive.

Ahli coach Manuel Jose omitted Samaka from the squad traveling to Tunisia for the decisive second leg of the African Champions League final against Sfaxien on Saturday.

The Portuguese manager thought it would be better to leave Samaka behind to avoid any legal complications.

Ahli were held to a 1-1 draw in the first-leg in Cairo and will have to match the score or produce a surprise win to retain their African title.