What if the Black Stars technical team takes a bold gamble and hands Accra Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare the starting spot against Chad in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Friday?
Ghana heads into the game on the back of a woeful Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, failing to secure a single win and ultimately missing out on the tournament set for December. The Black Stars struggled against teams like Sudan, Angola, and Niger—another disappointing chapter in Ghanaian football history.
However, the World Cup qualifiers have often been a platform where Ghana finds a way to rise against the odds. With the team looking to reset and rebuild, the goalkeeping department presents an opportunity for fresh competition.
Benjamin Asare, who has captured the attention of Ghanaian football fans since earning his first national team call-up, is being widely discussed as a potential starter against Chad. I believe the Hearts of Oak shot-stopper deserves the nod, particularly because of the uncertainty surrounding the current goalkeeping options.
Many Ghanaians remain unconvinced by Lawrence Ati-Zigi as the first-choice goalkeeper, while Jojo Wollacott, once instrumental in Ghana’s qualification for the 2022 World Cup, has struggled for form since returning from injury.
Asare’s situation is reminiscent of past bold selections by the Black Stars. Former Hearts of Oak forward Daniel Afriyie Barnie made his much-talked-about debut in a pre-World Cup friendly against Switzerland, playing a key role in Ghana’s 2-0 win.
Similarly, division two player Jerry Afriyie was handed a debut against Niger, where he marked the occasion with a goal. Currently he plays in the Spanish lower tier for CD Lugo where he has two goals in three appearances.
While Chad should not be underestimated, they present a manageable challenge— one that could allow Asare to prove himself at the international level.
Playing at the Accra Sports Stadium would be familiar territory for the Hearts of Oak and former Great Olympics goalkeeper, providing him with an added comfort level. His composure, confidence, and impressive performances in camp suggest he is more than ready for the opportunity.
Perhaps, this is the perfect time for Otto Addo and his technical team to take a bold step, reward Asare’s form, and test his abilities on the international stage.
By Herbert Boakye Yiadom