CAIRO: Egypt coach Hassan Shehata has named eight foreign-based players in the Pharaohs initial squad for the 2008 African Cup of Nations in Ghana. The holding champions will start preparations for their title defense with a closed camp on Dec. 26 with all foreign-based players expected to be available. Anderlecht playmaker Ahmed Hassan leads the roster, along with Premiership duo Hossam Ghaly and Mohamed Shawky, whose Middlesbrough teammate Ahmed "Mido Hossam has been ruled out with injury. Hamburg SV striker Mohamed Zidan and Ankaragucu defender Ibrahim Saied make it five of those who are plying their trade in Europe. Ahmed Fathi, Wael Gomaa and Hassan Mostafa complete the list as the Arab-based trio are all loaned out from Egypt champions Al Ahly. The full squad will be announced later this month. Egypt fixed three friendlies before the Ghana finals, which will see the five-time champions battle out with Cameroon, Sudan and Zambia in Group C.
