Benjamin Asare became the first player from the Ghana Premier League to start a World Cup match and lived up to expectations.

Popularly known as “SM” due to his love for international star Shatta Wale, he is proof that hard work and perseverance pay off, which is also the motto of his club.

The 33-year-old goalkeeper, who nearly gave up football a few years ago, kept a clean sheet for the second consecutive game with Ghana, following a goalless 0-0 draw against the Three Lions in the second round of the World Cup.

Benjamin Asare was decisive in the critical periods of the game, saving Bukayo Saka’s powerful strike in the 86th minute, then showed his command in stoppage time (90+4) with a bold punch, holding his ground against England’s relentless attack.

He came on as a second-half substitute for injured Lawrence Ati-Zigi, becoming the first goalkeeper playing in the Ghana Premier League to appear in the World Cup finals.

A historic achievement for local football and for his current club, Accra Hearts of Oak.