Black Stars goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi has dismissed suggestions that he only makes “easy” saves, insisting he welcomes being kept busy and thrives when called into action.
The Ghana international addressed the criticism during an appearance on Sporty FM’s Sporty Breakfast on Monday, July 13, where he responded to claims that many of the shots he faces are straightforward due to his positioning.
Rather than taking issue with the comments, Ati Zigi maintained that making saves—regardless of their perceived difficulty—is the primary responsibility of every goalkeeper.
“People say balls come to me when I’m in post. For me, that’s not a problem,” he said. “As a goalkeeper, your job is to save. More balls should come.”
The FC St. Gallen shot-stopper stressed that facing numerous shots is not something he fears, but instead an opportunity to demonstrate his quality and help his team.
His remarks come amid ongoing discussions surrounding Ghana’s defensive performances and the role of the goalkeeper in protecting the Black Stars’ backline, particularly following the team’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Rather than viewing repeated attempts on his goal as a sign of defensive weakness or personal fortune, Ati Zigi believes they present the perfect opportunity to showcase his abilities.
The 29-year-old has established himself as one of Ghana’s most dependable goalkeepers in recent years, earning praise for his reflexes, composure and consistency at both club and international level.
With Ghana set to begin preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Ati Zigi’s message was clear: he is ready to shoulder the responsibility between the posts and remains unfazed by criticism, confident in his ability to deliver whenever called upon.
