Otto Addo lauds Hearts goalkeeper’s stellar performance

Black Stars head coach, Otto Addo, has expressed admiration for Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare following his impressive debut performance for the national team.
Asare, who received his maiden call-up, was a surprise inclusion in the starting lineup for Ghana’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Chad.
The young shot-stopper justified his selection by keeping a clean sheet as the Black Stars secured an emphatic 5-0 victory over Les Sao of Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21, 2025.

Why Asare got the nod over Ati-Zigi and Walacott
Speaking at a post-match press conference, Otto Addo explained that Asare earned his starting position through his exceptional performances in training.
“I think he did well in training. We observed all three [goalkeepers], we watched a lot of games from all of them. It was a close race. They all did well in training, I have to say. But Benjamin did a bit better,” Addo stated.
“That is why we decided in the end to play him. For me, it’s not about where you play or whatever. It’s surely about performance in your club, but also in our training.

“We had three training sessions, and he did very well, that’s why we chose to play him,” the Black Stars coach added.

Maintaining his spot against Madagascar
Following his solid performance against Chad, Asare is expected to retain his place between the posts when Ghana faces Madagascar at the Al Hoceima Grand Stadium in Morocco on Monday, March 24, 2025.
With Ghana sitting at the top of Group I with 12 points, two points ahead of Madagascar in second place, the upcoming match will be crucial in determining the Black Stars’ path to World Cup qualification.
Comoros currently occupy third place with nine points, followed by Mali with eight.
Chad remains at the bottom with zero points, while the Central African Republic sits second from last with four points.

High stakes in the group standings
As the Black Stars prepare for their encounter with Madagascar, a victory would further solidify their lead in the standings and increase their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The much-anticipated clash is set to kick off at 7:00 PM local time, with fans eager to see if Asare can continue his impressive form on the international stage.