Accra Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare has made a compelling case for the inclusion of local players in the Black Stars following his standout performances in Ghana’s recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The 32-year-old shot-stopper, who earned his first national team call-up in March, seized his opportunity with confidence, delivering back-to-back clean sheets in crucial victories over Chad and Madagascar. His commanding displays between the posts played a vital role in Ghana securing maximum points, keeping them at the top of Group I.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with 3Sport’s Mutala Yakubu in Morocco, Asare reflected on his journey and the significance of his performance.
“I am happy with the confidence they have in me and the support. I am happy that I lived up to their expectations,” Asare said. “If a local player is good, he deserves a platform. Sometimes people think once you are a local player, the national team will be difficult, but we are very determined.”
His words highlight the challenges home-based players face in breaking into the Black Stars setup, often overshadowed by their foreign-based counterparts. However, Asare’s heroics have reignited conversations about the importance of scouting and utilizing talent from the Ghana Premier League.
Despite his age, Asare’s breakthrough into the Black Stars is a testament to perseverance, hard work, and patience. His journey mirrors that of legendary Ghanaian goalkeepers such as Richard Kingson, George Owu, and Sammy Adjei, who all honed their skills in the domestic league before making a name for themselves on the international stage.
His performances have not gone unnoticed, with several former players and analysts praising his composure, shot-stopping abilities, and leadership at the back. Asare’s rise serves as motivation for many young goalkeepers in the Ghana Premier League, proving that talent and determination can still earn local players a place in the national team.
With Ghana leading Group I in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Asare’s experience and reliability could be key in the upcoming fixtures. The Black Stars will resume their qualifying campaign in September, and Asare’s recent form has positioned him as a serious contender for the first-choice goalkeeper role.
