CAIRO, Jan 16 (Reuters) - Egypt have drafted midfielder Samir Sabri into their squad for the African Nations Cup starting on Friday after Osama Hosni was ruled out with injury, the Confederation of African Football said on Monday.

Hosni, who captained Al Ahli to victory in last year's African Champions League, suffered a muscle strain in training last week and has been ruled out for three weeks.

By picking defensive midfielder Sabri, who plays for last season's Egyptian league runners-up ENPPI, coach Hassan Shehata has strengthened his rearguard rather than attack after defeat by South Africa in Saturday's final warm-up.

The call-up for Sabri on Sunday came two days after his 29th birthday.

Egypt play the tournament's opening game against Libya in Cairo on Friday. The final is on February 10.