Argentina coach Alfio Basile has talked up the threat of Egypt ahead of his side's friendly against the African Nations Cup champions in Cairo.The South Americans are using the fixture as preparation for the next round of World Cup qualifiers and Basile is happy his men will be facing strong opposition.

"I saw Egypt in the last Nations Cup. They are a solid team, with good aerial play and danger from the wings," the 64-year-old said.

"For Argentina, this is a very important match.

"We'll play the two-time African champions. African teams have improved a lot. They are enjoying things at the moment."

Basile is without a number of first-choice regulars with Hernan Crespo, Juan Roman Riquelme, Carlos Tevez, Lionel Messi and Esteban Cambiasso all missing.

The absences may present a chance for Fernando Cavenaghi to make his senior debut.

Cavenaghi has been in fine form for Rennes in Ligue 1 this season, scoring 10 times in addition to five goals in the UEFA Cup and two more in the Coupe de France.

And the former River Plate star is hoping to get a chance to shine.

"I am already happy at being part of the squad. I'm waiting for the opportunity," he said.

"I am in the same scoring form I was in at River. Rennes coach Laurent Blanc has given me confidence."

Cavenaghi is wary of Egypt, however, after watching them retain their continental crown in Ghana earlier this year.

"I watched the whole African Nations Cup and I can say Egypt will be very dangerous rivals," he added.

"Ahmed Hassan and Mohamed Zidan are very good players. They are a very solid, fast team."

Egypt will open their World Cup qualifying campaign on May 30 and have been drawn in the same group as Congo DR, Malawi and Djibouti.

Argentina's campaign to reach South Africa 2010 restarts in June with matches against Ecuador and old enemies Brazil.

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