World Cup 2026: Who is Benjamin Asare, the goalkeeper shining for Ghana?

23.06.26 FT World Cup

England

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Ghana

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Starting tonight against England, Benjamin Asare lived up to all the expectations placed on him. The 33-year-old goalkeeper kept a clean sheet for the second consecutive game with Ghana, following a goalless 0-0 draw against the Three Lions in the second round of theWorld Cup.

Benjamin Asare was decisive at the edge of the box with a strong save to his left on Bukayo Saka’s powerful strike in the 86th minute, then showed his command in stoppage time (90+4) with a bold punch, holding his ground against England’s relentless attack.

Plays in the Ghana Premier League

Asare discovered the World Cup atmosphere in the opening match against Panama. He came on as a second-half substitute for injured Lawrence Ati-Zigi, becoming the first goalkeeper playing in the Ghana Premier League to appear in the World Cup finals. A historic achievement for local football and for his current club, Accra Hearts of Oak.

Tonight against England, he became the first player from the Ghana Premier League to start a World Cup match.

Pride and new hope

At 33 years old, Asare is making his debut World Cup appearance. He stands as proof that hard work and perseverance pay off, which is also the motto of his club.

“From the oak tree to the world stage. Two clean sheets. One dream. One proud nation. Benjamin Asare proves that local talents have a place among the world’s elite,” Hearts of Oak wrote on their social media accounts.

Nafongo TRAORE |

News Editorfr, ar, en

Nafongon Moussa TRAORE, Burkinabè de 25 ans, est passionné de football, est rédacteur pour Foot Africa et commentateur pour BurkiFoot.

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