Benjamin Asare has been confirmed as Ghana’s first-choice goalkeeper for the upcoming Four Nations tournament in London, with the Hearts of Oak shot-stopper set to start in the opening match against Nigeria on 28 May 2025.
The 32-year-old earns his place in the starting line-up following a string of commanding performances for both club and country, notably keeping clean sheets in recent FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar.
His inclusion marks a significant milestone, particularly as a player plying his trade in the Ghana Premier League—a league often underrepresented at the senior national team level.
Asare, visibly moved by his selection, expressed gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility ahead of the international competition. “I give thanks to God, and I am truly grateful to our supporters and the people of Ghana for their continuous backing,” he told Max TV in an interview before the team’s departure.
“It’s never easy for a home-based player to get this opportunity with the national team. Every match at this level is demanding, which is why we must always be ready when called upon.”
His remarks reflect the challenges faced by domestic league players in breaking into the national setup, where competition is often dominated by foreign-based stars. Asare’s inclusion and starting role signal not only trust from the coaching staff but also recognition of his consistent form between the posts.
Asare continued, emphasising the mental and physical preparation required at the international level. “We need to prepare with great seriousness because anything can happen at any time.
Once we are selected, it becomes our duty to represent Ghana with honour and to give everything on the pitch so that Ghanaians can be proud of us.”
He is among several locally based players selected for the squad, which includes a mix of domestic talent and international professionals.
The Ghanaian contingent departed Accra in the early hours of Saturday morning en route to the UK, where they will compete in the Unity Cup—a friendly tournament aimed at fostering football diplomacy and camaraderie among participating nations.
Ghana’s match against Nigeria will serve as the tournament curtain-raiser, drawing significant attention due to the historical rivalry between the two West African nations.
The fixture will also provide Asare with an opportunity to showcase his skills on a broader stage, and potentially solidify his position within the national team setup going forward.
His journey from the domestic league to international football is a compelling narrative that underscores the importance of local competitions in developing national team-calibre players.
For Asare, the focus now shifts to maintaining composure and delivering under pressure, as he dons the Black Stars jersey once again—this time as the man tasked with guarding the net on one of the game’s biggest stages.
The tournament will serve as a key test for Ghana’s preparations ahead of future competitive fixtures, and Asare’s presence in goal is expected to provide both experience and stability for the defensive unit.
