Former Asante Kotoko management member Alhaji Ali Maradona has cast doubt on whether Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare is ready to be Ghana's first-choice shot-stopper at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Asare has been in outstanding form for the Phobians, delivering a man-of-the-match performance in Sunday's Super Clash victory over Asante Kotoko at Baba Yara Stadium. The goalkeeper has now kept nine clean sheets and conceded just four goals in 12 Ghana Premier League appearances this season.
But Maradona, speaking on Asempa FM, argued that excelling in the domestic league does not automatically prepare a player for football's biggest stage.
"People praise the Hearts of Oak goalkeeper, but let's be honest, he is not at the level of the Black Stars," Maradona 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."
The former Kotoko official clarified that he is not calling for Asare's exclusion from the squad entirely but questioned whether he should be the number one choice for the tournament.
"I am not saying he should not go to the World Cup, but to be number one, Ghana needs an experienced goalkeeper."
Asare made his Black Stars debut in March 2025 and has since established himself as head coach Otto Addo's preferred option between the posts. His rise has been remarkable for a player who waited until 32 to earn his first international cap.
The timing of the debate is significant, with Ghana set to face Austria on March 27 and Germany three days later in crucial World Cup preparation friendlies. Addo must submit his final 26-man squad for the tournament by June 1.
Ghana will open their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, before facing England in Boston on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.
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