World Cup: “Benjamin Asare deserves number one spot” – Ahorlu

Former Ghana goalkeeper Stephen Ahorlu has expressed disagreement with scores of citizens who discredit Benjamin Asare’s qualities ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Asare, who plies his trade with capital club Hearts of Oak, displaced Lawrence At-Zigi from the number one spot and succeeded in guiding Ghana to qualify for their fifth World Cup.

The 33-year-old made his debut in Ghana’s 5-0 win over Chad in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and has gone on to make eight appearances for the four time African champions.

Despite his fine form, there are doubts over his capabilities to face England, Croatia and Panama in Group L at the next mundial in Canada, USA and Mexico but Stephen Ahorlu thinks otherwise.

Benjamin Asare has made eight appearances for Ghana

“For me I don’t agree with them [who say Benjamin Asare is not ready] because it is Benjamin Asare was the one who kept the post during our World Cup qualifiers and he finished well so I don’t agree that he is not ready [for the World Cup],” Stephen Ahorlu told Radio Gold.

Stephen Ahorlu who was a member of Ghana’s squad at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, believes that Benjamin Asare has gathered enough experience to withstand any form of pressure at the FIFA World Cup.

Stephen Ahorlu believes in Benjamin Asare’s experience so far.

“If you harbor fears as a home based player when called up for senior team duties, then you are not ready to progress because progress starts from national team invite and if you are invited, it means you are doing something right.

“Once you are doing well then you can make it so it doesn’t matter whether you are home based but the moment you harbor fears then you cannot make it.”

Stephen Ahorlu has revealed the qualities technical team members look out for in selecting goalkeepers for major tournaments.

Asare displaced Lawrence Ati-Zigi from number one spot

“You need a goalkeeper who doesn’t concede many goals. We have many goalkeepers who have a lot of luck, his level of communication with his defence keeps the opponent at bay.

“However you can have a goalkeeper who is very good but will always concede and anytime a team concedes many goals, it doesn’t look good for the team [so] if you want to win then you don’t have to concede goals and Benjamin Asare is doing well if you look at some of recent saves.”

Benjamin Asare was the toast of fans, stopping Hwang Hee-Chan’s penalty in Ghana’s 1-0 loss to South Korea in an international friendly at the Seoul World Cup stadium in November last year.

Asare lost his place at Hearts of Oak momentarily but his return in between the sticks has helped shoot the record Ghana FA Cup holders into second place on the league with 39 points same as reigning champions GoldStars, five points behind leaders Medeama SC after 22 games.

The former Great Olympics shot stopper mesmerized the entire technical team members of the Black Stars at the Baba Yara Stadium as Hearts of Oak pipped sworn rivals Asante Kotoko 1-0 in week 22.

He has made 12 appearances in the current season, keeping nine clean sheets and conceding four times as they chase their first title since the 2020-21 season.

🇬🇭 Stephen Ahorlu Backs Benjamin Asare Ahead of 2026 World Cup

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Former Ghana goalkeeper Stephen Ahorlu has dismissed concerns about Benjamin Asare’s readiness for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the Hearts of Oak shot-stopper has already proven his worth on the international stage.

Asare, who plays for Hearts of Oak, displaced Lawrence Ati-Zigi from the number one position and played a key role in Ghana’s qualification for their fifth appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Despite doubts from sections of the football public, Ahorlu believes Asare has demonstrated the composure, consistency, and experience required for football’s biggest stage.

Stephen Ahorlu Defends Benjamin Asare’s World Cup Readiness

The debate surrounding Benjamin Asare World Cup readiness has intensified following Ghana’s placement in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama.

However, Stephen Ahorlu strongly disagrees with critics who question Asare’s ability.

“For me I don’t agree with them because it is Benjamin Asare who kept the post during our World Cup qualifiers and he finished well so I don’t agree that he is not ready,” Ahorlu told Radio Gold.

Asare made his senior debut in Ghana’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Chad during the qualifiers and has since accumulated eight international appearances for the four-time African champions.

Ahorlu, who was part of Ghana’s squad at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, believes the current first-choice goalkeeper has gathered sufficient exposure to withstand the pressures of elite competition.

Home-Based Players and Mental Strength

Ahorlu also addressed concerns that Asare’s status as a home-based player could be a disadvantage.

“If you harbor fears as a home-based player when called up for senior team duties, then you are not ready to progress,” he explained. “Progress starts from a national team invite and if you are invited, it means you are doing something right.”

His remarks underline the importance of mentality in high-level football. According to Ahorlu, fear and self-doubt — not location or club status — are the true barriers to success.

Once a player demonstrates confidence and consistency, he believes the environment becomes secondary.

What Makes Benjamin Asare Stand Out?

The discussion about Benjamin Asare World Cup readiness also centers on his technical attributes.

Ahorlu highlighted the qualities coaches look for in goalkeepers at major tournaments:

• Ability to minimize goals conceded

• Strong communication with defenders

• Command of the penalty area

• Consistency under pressure

“You need a goalkeeper who doesn’t concede many goals,” Ahorlu emphasized. “You can have a goalkeeper who is very good but will always concede and anytime a team concedes many goals, it doesn’t look good.”

Asare’s recent performances support this assessment. He has been in outstanding form for Hearts of Oak this season, making 12 league appearances, keeping nine clean sheets, and conceding just four goals.

Big-Match Performances Boost Confidence

Asare’s confidence has grown through decisive performances. He famously saved Hwang Hee-Chan’s penalty during Ghana’s 1-0 friendly defeat to South Korea at the Seoul World Cup Stadium in November last year — a moment that earned him widespread praise.