Accra Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare is on the verge of achieving a historic milestone for Ghana ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, emerging as a strong candidate to become the first home-based player to start a World Cup match for the Black Stars.
Drawn into a demanding group alongside England, Croatia, and Panama, Ghana face a highly competitive campaign. Against this challenging backdrop, Asare’s rise has become one of the most compelling narratives in Ghanaian football in recent years.
Widely respected for his agility, composure, and commanding presence, the experienced shot-stopper has been a standout performer in the Ghana Premier League. His commitment to excellence—reflected in years of disciplined training and steady improvement—has earned him widespread recognition and regular call-ups to the national team.
At 33, Asare offers maturity, confidence, and leadership at the back, qualities that have prompted comparisons with some of Ghana’s finest goalkeepers. He consistently organizes his defence with authority and has produced crucial saves in high-pressure situations, strengthening his case as a potential first-choice goalkeeper for the Black Stars at the global showpiece.
A Potentially Historic Milestone
Historically, Ghana’s World Cup goalkeepers have all been based outside the country. Richard Kingston started for the Black Stars in the 2006 and 2010 tournaments while playing in Turkey and England, respectively. In 2014, Fatau Dauda was Ghana’s first-choice goalkeeper while playing for South African side Orlando Pirates, and in 2022, Lawrence Ati-Zigi represented the nation while with Swiss club St. Gallen.
That long-standing trend could be broken in 2026. Should Asare be selected and start a World Cup match while still playing for Hearts of Oak, he would become the first locally based goalkeeper to achieve that feat for Ghana.
Ghana are scheduled to open their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, before facing England five days later in Foxborough. The group stage concludes with a clash against Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia.
Backed by Experience
Former Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Richmond Ayi has publicly endorsed Asare’s readiness for the world stage, praising his development and mental resilience.
“We have all witnessed his growth, his determination, and above all, his quality as a goalkeeper,” Ayi said. “Everyone gets their moment in life, and this is Asare’s time to shine. He should embrace it. People may question his place, but for me, he is currently the undisputed number one.”
Although Ghana’s final squad for the tournament is yet to be confirmed, Asare’s consistent performances and increasing influence within the team place him firmly in contention to achieve this landmark achievement. His journey also stands as an inspiration to a new generation of homegrown goalkeepers aspiring to reach the highest level of the game.
Asare’s reputation continues to grow following notable performances, including an impressive penalty save against South Korea during Ghana’s Kirin Cup match in Seoul in November. Despite the team’s defeat, his composure and shot-stopping ability earned widespread praise from fans and pundits alike.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Benjamin Asare stands on the threshold of history—symbolising both personal perseverance and the enduring potential of Ghana’s domestic football league.
Source: Yen.com.gh
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