Otto Addo 'Snubs' Ati Zigi and Wollacott, Names Benjamin Asare As No.1 After Clean Sheets

• Benjamin Asare was confirmed as the first-choice goalkeeper for the Black Stars after his heroics with the national team
• The 32-year-old kept two clean sheets in his first two games for Ghana against Chad and Madagascar, respectively
• According to head coach Otto Addo, Asare is expected to man the posts in Ghana's next qualifier games l

Benjamin Asare has been named Ghana's new first-choice goalkeeper after keeping a clean sheet against Madagascar in the World Cup qualifier tie on March 24, 2025.

Black Stars coach Otto Addo confirmed the team's number one going forward after the Hearts of Oak shot-stopper had another confident display between the sticks.

Otto Addo declares Asare as Ghana's No.1

Following the match, Addo made his stance clear: Asare is here to stay.

“At this point, the next game is in June, but at the moment, I think he [Benjamin Asare] is number one. We have decided on him. He did well in training,” the coach affirmed, as quoted by Joy Online.

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While confirming Asare’s rise to prominence with the Black Stars, Coach Addo acknowledged that the battle for the starting role was intense.

He commended Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Joseph Wollacott for their professionalism, highlighting their commitment to maintaining high standards.

“Like I said, it is not that there’s a huge gap between him and the other goalkeepers. We have a good situation where the goalkeepers are pushing each other, and we are really thankful for the way Ati-Zigi and Wollacott behaved this week and the way they also tried to push Benjamin - to help him and support him... I don’t take it for granted,” he noted.

Who is Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare?

Asare’s invitation to the squad for the qualifiers was initially perceived as routine - a gesture often extended to local players without expectations of game time. However, that narrative changed.

His training performances at the Accra Sports Stadium not only caught the attention of the coaching staff but also won over fans in attendance. When the opportunity arose, he seized it fully.

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Handed his debut in the World Cup qualifier game against Chad, Asare delivered a faultless performance, securing a clean sheet as the Black Stars dismantled their opponents in a 5-0 rout.

While some dismissed his selection as a mere public relations stunt, Otto Addo was quick to refute such claims, emphasising that Asare had outperformed Ati-Zigi and Wollacott in training.

Despite calls for a return to familiarity with Ati-Zigi in the subsequent fixture, Addo doubled down on his trust in Asare and the former Great Olympics goalkeeper repaid his manager's faith.

His composure under pressure and two crucial saves ensured another clean sheet as Ghana cruised to a 3-0 victory, strengthening their grip at the top of Group I, as Ghana Soccernet reported.

Addo further credited Asare’s dedication, both in domestic competitions and on the training ground, as the driving force behind his promotion.

“Big props to them for pushing him... this is really good teamwork. Benjamin deserved it. He did well in the league and also in the few training sessions we had; he did very well, and I am happy for him,” he concluded.

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As Ghana edges closer to qualification for the 2026 World Cup, the keeper's emergence has added more depth to Ghana's defensive setup.

Fans laud Asare after Madagascar clean sheet

YEN.com.gh also reported that fans praised Asare on social media following his impressive goalkeeping performance against Madagascar.

The Hearts of Oak shot-stopper received widespread recognition for securing consecutive clean sheets in the World Cup qualifier clash.

Source: YEN.com.gh