Ali Maradona Questions Asare’s Readiness for Black Stars No.1 Role at World Cup
Former Asante Kotoko management member Alhaji Ali Maradona has cast doubt on Benjamin Asare’s suitability as Ghana’s first-choice goalkeeper for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite the Hearts of Oak shot-stopper’s impressive domestic form.
Asare has emerged as one of the standout performers in the Ghana Premier League this season, playing a crucial role in Hearts’ 1-0 Super Clash victory over Kotoko at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. His consistency has been underlined by nine clean sheets and just four goals conceded in 12 league matches.
However, Ali Maradona believes excellence in the local league does not automatically translate to readiness for football’s biggest stage. Speaking in an interview with Asempa FM, he argued that Ghana must prioritize experience in goal at the World Cup.
“People praise the Hearts of Oak goalkeeper [Benjamin Asare] but let’s be honest, he is not at the level of the Black Stars,” he said.
“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.”
He clarified that he is not opposed to Asare’s inclusion in the national team squad but questioned his credentials to start in such a high-pressure tournament.
“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 are scheduled to play Austria on March 27 and Germany three days later in international friendlies as part of their World Cup preparations. Ghana will then open their 2026 World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17, before facing England and Croatia on June 23 and June 27 respectively.
Head coach Otto Addo is expected to name his final squad for the global tournament by June 1, with the goalkeeping department likely to be one of the key areas of debate ahead of the competition.
