Black Stars head coach Otto Addo and Technical Advisor Winfried Schäfer have showered praise on goalkeeper Benjamin Asare following his exceptional displays during Ghana’s successful qualification campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
The Hearts of Oak shot-stopper was one of Ghana’s standout performers in the qualifiers, keeping five clean sheets and conceding just one goal in six matches — a remarkable defensive record that helped secure the Black Stars’ ticket to the global tournament.
Speaking to Citi Sports after Ghana sealed qualification, Schäfer credited the technical team’s coordinated scouting process and the work of the goalkeeping department for Asare’s discovery and development.
“We watched matches and said we needed a goalkeeper, and it was Benjamin Asare,” Schäfer explained. “But we have to compliment the Goalkeeper’s Coach. Asare’s discipline and consistency show the growing confidence we have in home-based players.”
According to Schäfer, Asare’s performances demonstrate the depth of talent in Ghana’s domestic league and the importance of trusting local players. The 32-year-old, who made his international debut in March 2025, quickly cemented his place as Ghana’s first-choice goalkeeper under Addo, impressing in crucial fixtures against Chad, Madagascar, and the Central African Republic.
His rapid rise from local football to the national stage has been hailed as an inspirational story for domestic players seeking international recognition. Fans and pundits alike have praised Asare’s composure, reflexes, and leadership in goal — qualities that proved vital in Ghana’s resilient qualifying run.
However, despite his near-flawless record, sections of the football public remain divided over whether Asare should remain Ghana’s No. 1 going into the World Cup. Some argue that the goalkeeping department needs strengthening, while others believe Asare has earned his place through merit.
Addressing these debates, Coach Otto Addo expressed surprise at the public scrutiny of the goalkeeper, insisting that Asare’s performances speak for themselves.
“He trained well when he came in. He just had three days, and he was so good that I said it was enough for me to give him a chance,” Addo told Joy Sports. “These kinds of decisions are always on the edge because there are other goalkeepers doing well, but when we gave him the chance, he proved he’s No. 1, and we are very happy for him.”
Addo defended his goalkeeper against critics, emphasising that Ghana’s defensive record — conceding just one goal throughout the qualifiers — was evidence of both Asare’s ability and the team’s tactical discipline.
“It’s normal for players to be criticised, just like myself,” Addo said. “But we should really make sense of it. I don’t think we conceded too many goals. For me, I don’t understand this discussion, especially if the team did well and we qualified.”
Asare’s lone goal conceded came in the 1–1 draw with Chad in October, a match that sealed Ghana’s top spot in their qualifying group. His performances, characterised by sharp reflex saves and commanding control of his area, have drawn comparisons to former Black Stars goalkeeping greats such as Richard Kingson.
Within football circles, Asare’s emergence is seen as a triumph for Ghana’s domestic league, which has often struggled to produce players who break into the national team’s starting lineup. His story underscores a growing confidence in homegrown talent and the potential of the Ghana Premier League as a source of competitive, world-class footballers.
Sports analysts believe that Asare’s success could inspire a renewed focus on domestic player development and better scouting systems across the league. For Hearts of Oak, the goalkeeper’s exploits have also brought renewed pride, affirming the club’s role as a breeding ground for national talent.
As preparations for the 2026 World Cup begin, Otto Addo has hinted that competition for places will remain fierce — but insists that Asare’s consistency and professionalism make him an integral part of Ghana’s campaign moving forward.
With Ghana set to face world-class opposition next year, Asare’s performances have not only silenced his critics but also rekindled optimism about the Black Stars’ defensive strength.
From Accra’s domestic league pitches to the global stage, Benjamin Asare’s rise embodies Ghana’s renewed faith in local excellence — a story of discipline, opportunity, and national pride.
