Former Asante Kotoko board member Alhaji Ali Maradona has raised doubts over whether Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare is ready to start for the Black Stars at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Asare, 26, has been Ghana’s first-choice goalkeeper since his national team debut in March 2025. He was once again impressive as Hearts of Oak secured a 1-0 win over rivals Asante Kotoko in the Super Clash at Baba Yara Stadium, despite playing with 10 men.
This season, Asare has kept nine clean sheets and conceded just four goals in 12 Ghana Premier League matches. But Maradona believes the World Cup needs a more experienced goalkeeper.
“People praise the Hearts of Oak goalkeeper [Benjamin Asare], but let’s be honest, he is not at the level of the Black Stars,” Maradona told Asempa FM.
“The World Cup isn’t a concert. You need an experienced goalkeeper.
“He deserved the Man of the Match award against Kotoko, but that is not the World Cup. I am not saying he should not go to the World Cup, but to be number one, Ghana needs an experienced goalkeeper,” he added.
The Black Stars will continue their World Cup preparations with friendlies against Austria on March 27 and Germany on March 30. Coach Otto Addo is expected to announce the final squad on June 1. Ghana will open its World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17, followed by matches against England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.
By: Pascal Amoah
