The 20-year-old, who made his first appearance with Italian side Milan in December 2008, is one of 15 foreign-based players in Sierra Leone's squad for the game.

"I'm very happy to be given the chance to make my international debut," Strasser told BBC Sport.

"This is also a chance for me to come back home for the first time since I joined AC Milan in 2007."

Strasser joined Milan youth's side from Sierra Leone club Kallon FC in 2007 but barely played with the Rossoneri's first team.

Striker Mohamed Kallon, who owns the club that nurtured Strasser, will miss the game due to lack of match fitness.

Seven-time African champions Egypt, who won a third consecutive Nations Cup title in Angola last January, host Sierra Leone in Group G at Cairo Stadium.

The group also includes South Africa and Niger.