Ghana head coach Otto Addo has defended his bold decision to hand Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare his Black Stars debut in the 5-0 thrashing of Chad.
The shot-stopper, who had never featured for the national team before, was given the nod ahead of more experienced options like Lawrence Ati Zigi and Joseph Wollacott. Asare’s selection raised eyebrows, but Addo insisted his performance in training justified the call.
“I think he did well in training. We observed all three, watched a lot of games, and it was a close race. Benjamin did a bit better, so we chose to play him,” Addo explained after the match.
Asare’s inclusion came on the back of an outstanding domestic campaign. He had kept 12 clean sheets in 18 Ghana Premier League games, emerging as one of the league’s standout performers. His composed display against Chad, albeit in a one-sided contest, suggests he could be a long-term option for the Black Stars.
With Ghana now leading Group I in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Asare is in contention to start again against Madagascar on March 24. The stakes are high, with only the top team securing automatic qualification for the tournament in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
For Asare, this opportunity could be career-defining. If he retains his place and delivers against Madagascar, he may cement his role as Ghana’s first-choice goalkeeper for the crucial remaining qualifiers.
