BBC reporter Ben Carter in 2014 published an article indicating the perfect age for a player to be in the World Cup is 27.5, five years less than the new number one goalkeeper for the Black Stars, Benjamin Asare.
Benjamin Asare, 32, made his first appearances for the senior national football team of Ghana, the Black Stars, in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar.
Not only did his inclusion in the Black Stars squad for the two crucial games come as a surprise to fans, but starting in the game against Chad.
Nonetheless, to goalkeeping legends like Abukari Damba, Richard Kingson, and Sammy Adjei, Asare’s selection was the best call head coach of Ghana Otto Addo could have made.
To some, Asare brings a sense of new and positive beginnings for the Black Stars despite his age, while a few doubt if he can maintain his form with Ghana Premier League side Hearts of Oak to keep his spot.
No follower of the GPL ever imagined a local goalkeeper in a starting lineup for Ghana in an official international fixture. Asare’s performance would serve as an inspiration for every other locally based footballer.
Legendary influences
To name the number of past Black Stars goalkeepers who have had a hand in Asare’s current achievement, Richard Kingson, Sammy Adjei, and Eben Dida are the notable ones that those in the Hearts keeper’s circle can attest to.
Richard Kingson played an important role in resuscitating the playing career of the Black Stars keeper when he nearly called it quits due to stagnation and frustration.
To have a Ghanaian goalkeeping legend with 93 caps believe in you when no one does only propels you to reach heights none could have imagined.
Asare’s displays as Accra Great Olympics shot stopper earned him a dream transfer to city rivals Hearts of Oak before the start of the 2024—25 season, a third choice on their transfer list.
Not only was his record of keeping an impeccable 12 clean sheets in 18 matches impressive to the Black Stars technical team, but Fatau Dauda, goalkeepers coach for the national team, was mesmerized by Asare’s leadership, composure, calmness, and technical abilities in post and even off the pitch.
A look into the future
The theory of footballers like fine wines maturing with age and reaching their peak in the latter stages of their careers is supported by famous past keepers such as Brad Friedal, Gianluigi Buffon, Edwin Van Der Sar, and others, with Asare being no exception.
At 32 years of age, anyone could be tempted to think Asare probably has about 2 strong playing years ahead of him. However, a trusted source revealed the Phobian captain is determined to play more than that, especially with the dream of keeping post at the World Cup for Ghana and a move to Europe.
To any footballer feeling age may be catching up to you, be encouraged by Benjamin Asare’s journey.
