FEATURE: Otto Addo, Take a Bold Step – Start Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare against Chad

What if the Unlit Stars technical crew takes a intrepid gamble and fingers Accra Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare the foundation of abode in opposition to Chad in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Friday?

Ghana heads into the game on the wait on of a woeful Africa Cup of International locations qualifying campaign, failing to true a single procure and in a roundabout method lacking out on the event space for December. The Unlit Stars struggled in opposition to groups admire Sudan, Angola, and Niger—one other disappointing chapter in Ghanaian soccer history.

On the other hand, the World Cup qualifiers possess most steadily been a platform the put Ghana finds a attain to upward push in opposition to the percentages. With the crew having a stamp to reset and rebuild, the goalkeeping division items a possibility for new competition.

Benjamin Asare, who has captured the attention of Ghanaian soccer fans since incomes his first nationwide crew name-up, is being broadly talked about as a possible starter in opposition to Chad. I judge the Hearts of Oak shot-stopper deserves the nod, in particular resulting from the uncertainty surrounding the present goalkeeping alternate choices.

Many Ghanaians live unconvinced by Lawrence Ati-Zigi as the first-preference goalkeeper, while Jojo Wollacott, once instrumental in Ghana’s qualification for the 2022 World Cup, has struggled for fabricate since getting back from damage.

Asare’s subject is paying homage to previous intrepid selections by the Unlit Stars. Daniel Afriyie made his grand-talked-about debut in a pre-World Cup friendly in opposition to Switzerland, playing a key role in Ghana’s 2-0 procure.

Within the same method, division two participant Jerry Afriyie was once handed a debut in opposition to Niger, the put he marked the occasion with a method. Currently he plays in the Spanish lower tier for CD Lugo the put he has two targets in three appearances.

Whereas Chad will possess to composed no longer be underestimated, they display a manageable challenge— one who would possibly perchance perhaps allow Asare to expose himself at the worldwide level.

Playing at the Accra Sports Stadium can be acquainted territory for the Hearts of Oak and mature Worthy Olympics goalkeeper, providing him with an added consolation level. His composure, self perception, and impressive performances in camp counsel he’s extra than ready for the choice.

Per chance, here’s the good time for Otto Addo and his technical crew to take a intrepid step, reward Asare’s fabricate, and take a look at his abilities on the worldwide stage.

By herbert boakye yiadom