Black Stars goalkeeper Benjamin Asare has visited Ghana’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Kofi Adams, after emerging as one of the national team’s brightest performers at the 2026 World Cup in North America.
The Hearts of Oak shot-stopper called on the minister – who also serves as Member of Parliament for Buem – to personally thank him for the government’s backing of the Black Stars before and during the tournament.
Asare featured prominently at his first World Cup, playing in all three of Ghana’s group matches and earning widespread plaudits for his composure and command of the penalty area, particularly in a high-pressure encounter with England.
World Cup debut and rise to prominence
The former Great Olympics goalkeeper made his World Cup bow in Ghana’s opening group fixture against Panama, coming on in the first half.
Despite the magnitude of the occasion, Asare settled quickly and helped stabilise the team, impressing technical staff and supporters with his calm presence.
His assured display against Panama paved the way for a starting berth in Ghana’s second group match – a crucial clash with England.
Heroics against England earn praise
Handed the gloves from kick-off against the Three Lions, Asare delivered one of the standout individual performances of Ghana’s campaign.
He produced a series of important saves and showed sharp reflexes and strong leadership at the back as Ghana held England to a 0-0 draw.
The goalless stalemate against one of the tournament’s favourites was seen as a significant achievement for the Black Stars, with Asare’s contribution drawing praise from pundits and fans alike.
Observers highlighted his “composure, reflexes and leadership under pressure” on football’s biggest stage, underscoring his rapid elevation from squad member to key figure.
Key role in Croatia match despite early exit
Asare retained his starting place for Ghana’s final group game against Croatia, further underlining the trust placed in him by the coaching staff.
Although Ghana eventually exited the competition in the Round of 32 following defeat to Colombia, the goalkeeper was widely regarded as one of the team’s success stories of the tournament.
His performances across the three group matches earned him recognition both at home and abroad, with many tipping him to remain central to the Black Stars’ plans in the coming years.
Strengthening ties with sports ministry
During his courtesy visit, Asare used the opportunity to express gratitude to Kofi Adams for the ministry’s support throughout the World Cup campaign and to reinforce his relationship with the country’s sports leadership.
The engagement was also seen as a symbolic acknowledgement of the backing provided to the national team in their preparations and logistics for the tournament in North America.
Focus shifts to AFCON 2027 qualifiers
With the World Cup now over, Asare and his international team-mates are turning their attention to the next major challenge: qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Ghana have been drawn in Group C alongside Cote d’Ivoire, Somalia and The Gambia. The qualifiers are scheduled to begin in September, as the Black Stars seek a swift return to Africa’s premier international competition.
Asare’s emergence as a reliable option in goal is expected to be a key asset as Ghana look to rebuild from their World Cup exit and mount a serious challenge for a place at AFCON 2027.
