Former Egypt international Ahmed Hossam Mido has publicly urged national team coach Hossam Hassan to include rising forward Hamza Abdel Karim in the squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, while also offering a critical assessment of Al Ahly SC and the future of Achraf Bencharki at the club.
Speaking during televised remarks on Al-Nahar channel, Mido addressed multiple issues concerning Egyptian football, focusing on both national team selection and club-level decision-making during what he described as a difficult period for Al Ahly.
Concerns Over Al Ahly’s Season
Mido painted a bleak picture of Al Ahly’s current campaign, citing both technical and administrative shortcomings. He said:
“Al-Ahly is going through a bad season from a technical and administrative standpoint, a season in which there were very big mistakes, and Al-Ahly’s victory over Zamalek with this big score and the appearance of some players who were far from their level throughout the season during this match, may change the calculations regarding the fate of some players, whether by leaving or staying.”
The former forward suggested that a single high-profile result — notably the emphatic win over rivals Zamalek SC — could influence internal decisions about player retention, despite inconsistent performances over the broader season.
Doubts Over Bencharki’s Role
Turning to the case of Achraf Bencharki, Mido questioned the rationale behind retaining the Moroccan winger, particularly given squad composition and financial considerations. He stated:
“The only thing that keeps Ben Sharqi at Al Ahly is that there is an Egyptian number 9 striker, and if I were in charge at Al Ahly, Ben Sharqi should leave, because his main position is the winger.
He continued: “With Trezeguet, I cannot keep a player whose participation as a starter is not guaranteed and who receives $1.3 million net. I brought in a strong, straightforward striker who scores 20 goals, and that is what Al-Ahly needs.”
His comments highlight a preference for reinforcing the squad with a consistent goal-scoring striker rather than retaining players whose roles may overlap or lack certainty in the starting lineup.
Backing Hamza Abdel Karim
Mido reserved particular praise for Hamza Abdel Karim, pointing to the player’s development abroad and ability to adapt quickly in a competitive environment. He said:
“I am proud of Hamza Abdel Karim because he is a courageous player. He traveled and played among players accustomed to a different system and he shone and adapted to them so quickly, despite the delay in his registration procedures, and all the Spanish newspapers praise him.He continued: “He has undergone a very significant transformation in his level, despite not having been with Barcelona for three months. If I had to choose between a 30-year-old player in the Egyptian league who is a reserve, and signing a young player who has the ambition to be Egypt’s number one striker.”
The remarks underline Mido’s belief in prioritising emerging talent with international exposure over more established but less dynamic options within the domestic league.
Call to Action for National Team Selection
Concluding his intervention, Mido made a direct appeal to the national team coach:
“I urge Hossam Hassan to include Hamza Abdel Karim in the Egyptian national team for the World Cup, and I hope he will be with the team in the upcoming World Cup.”
His comments add to the ongoing debate surrounding Egypt’s squad composition ahead of the global tournament, with selection decisions expected to draw significant scrutiny.
Selection Debate Gains Momentum
Mido’s intervention reflects broader tensions in Egyptian football, where club performance, player development, and national team ambitions intersect. As the World Cup approaches, the pressure on decision-makers — both at club and international level — is likely to intensify.
