SYDNEY: Australian coach Hoger Osieck has named overseas-based stars Harry Kewell, Tim Cahill and Mark Schwarzer in a strong 20-man squad to play Egypt in a Nov. 17 friendly at Cairo.
Osieck has also included Denmark-based goalkeeper Nathan Coe in an Australian squad for the first time since Nov. 2007, and offered the possibility of an international debut for Korean-based defender Sasa Ognenovski.
The match at Cairo International Stadium is seen as a key part of Australia’s build up to the Asian Cup finals at Qatar in January.
"I think Egypt may play similar to the Arabian countries, the Arabian style," Osieck said. "I’ve seen Egypt a couple of times and the last time was in the Confederations Cup in 2009 where I think they had a pretty strong tournament."
Egypt is the top-ranked nation in the African Football Confederation and the reigning Africa Cup of Nations champion.
Australia and Egypt have met once before, in the 1987 President’s Cup at Korea where Australia won 4-3 on penalties after neither side scored in regulation.
Australiab Squad: Tim Cahill, David Carney, Nathan Coe, Jason Culina, Brett Emerton, Richard Garcia, Brett Holman, Mile Jedinak, Josh Kennedy, Harry Kewell, Scott McDonald, Matt McKay, Lucas Neill (captain), Jade North, Sasa Ognenovski, Mark Schwarzer, Michael Thwaite, Carl Valeri, Dario Vidosic, Luke Wilkshire.
