CAIRO: Egyptian fans were disappointed to learn on Tuesday that Australian star players Harry Kewell and Josh Kennedy were ruled out of this week's friendly against Egypt. Australian coach Holger Osieck told Kennedy that his services aren't required this week as the giant striker bids to maintain fitness and form at his club side, Nagoya Grampus. Australia is using the match with African champions Egypt as a tune-up for January's Asian Cup. Kennedy is said to have back soreness while Kewell has also been told to focus on club commitments for Turkish giant Galatasaray as he continues to struggle to regain complete fitness. The match at Cairo International Stadium is seen as a key part of Australia's buildup to the Asian Cup finals at Qatar in January. Egyptians are already excited at seeing the Asian giants in action and tickets have been going fast. Australian expatriates have been on the prowl in search of seats for the match. “We are really excited to see our country play live,” said Susan Rinalli, an Australian businesswoman who has lived in Egypt for the past four years. She said it will be nice to watch her home country perform “against my new country. We all know who I will be rooting for, though.” BM
