Former Egyptian striker Ahmed Hossam Hussein, popularly known as Mido, has expressed confidence that the Pharaohs can reach the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations—but only if they overcome defending champions Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals.

The two sides meet on Saturday, January 10, in Morocco, with Mido urging coach Hossam Hassan to adopt a more flexible tactical approach to counter the Elephants’ pace and attacking threat.

“There must be a change in the way we play because they have great speed. Playing with just one defensive midfielder will be tactical suicide,” Mido said on the Awdet El-Lebs programme on Al-Nahar channel. “Hossam Hassan must use two defensive midfielders to protect our backline.”

Mido also highlighted the need for a balanced attacking strategy, calling for a number 9 striker while pushing forward Mostafa Mohamed, Mohamed Salah, and Omar Marmoush. “Mostafa Mohamed is the player capable of converting crosses into goals. If we beat Ivory Coast, we have a clear path to the final,” he added.

The quarter-final showdown kicks off at 7 pm on Saturday, setting the stage for what promises to be a tactical and high-stakes encounter in AFCON 2025.