Sports

2026 World Cup: Benjamin Asare must not be Black Stars first-choice goalkeeper –

Former Asante Kotoko board member, Alhaji Ali Maradona, has questioned whether Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare is ready to start for the Black Stars at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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Asare, who has held the position of first-choice goalkeeper for the national team since his debut in March 2025, delivered another standout performance as Hearts of Oak edged Asante Kotoko 1-0 in the Super Clash at Baba Yara Stadium despite playing with 10 men.

The 26-year-old has now recorded nine clean sheets and conceded just four goals in 12 Ghana Premier League matches.

Despite these domestic accolades, Maradona remains skeptical about Asare’s readiness for the global stage.

“People praise the Hearts of Oak goalkeeper [Benjamin Asare], but let’s be honest, he is not at the level of the Black Stars,” he said in an interview with Asempa FM.

“The World Cup isn’t a concert. You need an experienced goalkeeper.

“He deserved the [Man of the Match award against Kotoko], but that is not the World Cup. I am not saying he should not go to the World Cup, but to be number one, Ghana needs an experienced goalkeeper,” he added.

The Black Stars continue their World Cup preparations with friendly matches against Austria on March 27 and Germany on March 30.

Coach Otto Addo is expected to announce his final squad for the 2026 tournament on June 1, with Ghana set to open its campaign against Panama on June 17, followed by clashes with England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.