The Pharaohs kick off their Group D campaign at home to Guinea on 5 June and away to Ethiopia four days later as they start their reign under Galal, who took over following the departure of Portuguese Carlos Queiroz last month.

Galal opted to name a handful of rookie players in a preliminary 44-man squad while sticking to the familiar faces that formed the backbone of Queiroz's squad when Egypt finished as runners-up at the Nations Cup in February.

The new faces include Future FC striker Ahmed Atef, who has scored six Egyptian Premier League goals so far this season, Enppi winger Mostafa Shalabi, Talae El-Geish defender Mostafa El-Zannari and Ittihad midfielder Khaled El-Ghandour.

Ahly's talented winger Ahmed Abdel-Kader, who rose to prominence this season with some superb displays, was also given his first call-up.

Future FC winger Ahmed Refaat, who was part of Egypt's squad for the FIFA Arab Cup last December before being overlooked for the Nations Cup, returned to the roster, as did Pyramids FC forward Ibrahim Adel.

The established foreign-based players were all named in the squad, including Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah even though reports had suggested he might be rested for the two clashes against Guinea and Ethiopia.

Egypt start their training camp on 30 May, with Ahly's players scheduled to join up with the team later as they face Morocco's Wydad in the African Champions League final on the same day.

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