Black Stars goalkeeper Benjamin Asare is to receive a new JAC Motors vehicle worth $38,000 after being named the best locally based player in Ghana’s squad at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku announced the reward at the 32nd Ordinary Congress, held at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram.
Asare was the only player based in Ghana selected for the country’s 26-man squad for the tournament. His recognition follows a World Cup campaign in which he overcame competition for the goalkeeper’s position to become Ghana’s first-choice option.
The former Hearts of Oak goalkeeper played in two matches at the tournament and kept clean sheets in both appearances. His most notable display came in Ghana’s goalless draw with England, when a series of important saves helped the Black Stars earn a point against one of the highly rated teams at the competition.
That performance enhanced Asare’s reputation as one of Ghana’s emerging goalkeeping talents. His calmness and confidence against England attracted widespread praise and highlighted his ability to perform on the international stage.
Asare’s selection and involvement also marked a significant moment in Ghanaian football history. He became the first locally based goalkeeper to start for Ghana at a FIFA World Cup.
The achievement offered further evidence that players competing in the Ghana Premier League can still earn places in the national team and compete at the highest level of international football.
Asare made his Black Stars debut at the 2024 Unity Cup and has gradually established himself within the national-team set-up. His performances for club and country have helped him develop from a domestic prospect into Ghana’s undisputed number-one goalkeeper.
His progress has also offered encouragement to other locally based players seeking international recognition. While many members of the Black Stars play for clubs outside Ghana, Asare’s rise demonstrates that strong performances in the Ghana Premier League can still lead to opportunities with the senior national side.
The JAC Motors vehicle is therefore more than a personal prize for Asare. It represents recognition of his contribution to Ghana’s World Cup campaign and the historic nature of his achievement as a goalkeeper developed in the domestic game.
Okraku’s announcement rewards a player who not only secured his place in Ghana’s starting line-up but also delivered when called upon at the global tournament. His two appearances, both ending with clean sheets, strengthened his standing within the Black Stars.
Asare will now aim to use the experience gained at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a platform for the next stage of his career. With his confidence continuing to grow, he will look to remain an important figure for both club and country in the seasons ahead.
