The former Ghana international shot-stopper had nothing but full of praises for the goalkeepers' trainer over his trust in the local-based last line of defense during the mundial qualifiers this month
Black Stars goalkeepers' trainer Fatawu Dauda deserves commendation for reposing confidence in Benjamin Asare by making him the nation's number one goalkeeper during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar, according to ex-Ghana international Abukari Damba.
The 32-year-old experienced glovesman defied all odds and went ahead to man the goalposts of the four-time African champions at the expense of the foreign-based keepers duo of Jojo Wollacott and Lawrencee Ati-Zigi during the qualifying games this month.
And now, following his clean sheets in his debut outings, the man who once occupied the spot during his active playing days, says the Hearts of Oak goaltender has done a great job by ousting his competitors but such credit should go to the technical team for reposing their trust in him.
''I am elated and impressed with technical team for reposing so much confidence in this boy [Benjamin Asare]. Remember he has gone to meet Jojo Wollacott and Lawrencee Ati-Zigi, these are tried and tested goalkeepers but then he was chosen ahead of them,” Damba told Radio Gold. "I had a discussion with Fatau Dauda his trainer and I congratulated him for taking that bold decision in consultation with his coach."
“He said to me that Benjamin Asare from day one when he came to training he has been very strong, he has really demonstrated both on and off the pitch. He monitored him, he observed him but then every single training performance was as if he was playing a cup final, this tells you that he is a very serious individual."
“So based on the training and his attitude he was given the opportunity and it is not easy to play for the first time especially in front of your teeming supporters and in front of your countrymen. So I think Benjamin Asare has done great but then we have to give thumbs up to the trainers who actually gave him the chance to play ahead of Jojo Wollacott and Ati-Zigi and we all heard coach Otto Addo loud and clear that he has chosen Asare as the number one.''
