Benjamin Asare has pledged to support whatever decision head coach Carlos Queiroz makes regarding Ghana’s first-choice goalkeeper ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Accra Hearts of Oak SC shot-stopper is among five goalkeepers fighting for a place in Ghana’s final 26-man squad for the tournament, with only three expected to make the final list set to be announced on June 1.
Despite the fierce competition, Asare insists team unity remains more important than individual ambition.
“If the coach starts another goalkeeper, it doesn’t mean that because I’m the number one, I should be angry. We have to stay prayerful and united for collective success,” Asare told the Ghana Football Association website.
The former Great Olympics goalkeeper acknowledged the challenge of competing for a place but stressed that personal goals should never undermine the collective mission of the national team.
“I want to achieve great things for myself, but that does not mean I have achieved it as a number one for the national team. I have to work more because we have more goalkeepers, but we need to maintain unity so that we can reach our goal as a strong team.”
Asare also spoke about adjusting to the methods of the Black Stars’ new goalkeepers’ trainer, who has been implementing Queiroz’s tactical approach during preparations.
“Every coach has their style and tactical play. As a player, you need to follow the instructions and put in your best every time to prove you are capable.”
Competition for places remains intense, with Lawrence Ati Zigi, Solomon Agbasi, Joseph Anang and Paul Reverson also hoping to secure spots in the final squad.
The Ghana national football team are currently in Cardiff, fine-tuning preparations for their international friendly against Wales national football team on June 2 as part of their build-up to the World Cup.
Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama national football team, England national football team and Croatia national football team.
The four-time African champions will open their campaign against Panama at BMO Field on June 17 before facing England at Gillette Stadium on June 23. They will round off their group-stage fixtures against Croatia at Lincoln Financial Field on June 27.
Having suffered group-stage eliminations at the 2014 and 2022 World Cups in Brazil and Qatar respectively, the Black Stars will be determined to reach the knockout stages for the first time in more than a decade.
