The 27-year-old, who plays for Qatari side Al-Arabi, picked up a thigh injury that ruled him out of the game.

DR Congo's French coach Patrice Neveu was disappointed to lose LuaLua against six-time African champions Egypt.

"LuaLua is a very important striker for my squad because he is strong, able to retain the ball and snatch it from the opponents," he was quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

"I'll try to do what I can but I think his presence would make a difference for our game with Egypt on Sunday."

Egypt coach Hassan Shehata has also lost Middlesbrough midfielder Mohamed Shawky and Ismaili striker Mohamed Fadl. The duo has been injured.

Star striker Mido, Shawky's teammate at Boro, remains doubtful after sustaining a hamstring injury.