Benjamin Asare, the goalie for Hearts of Oak and Black Stars, has talked about his first call-up to the Ghanaian national team and said his teammates welcomed him.
Asare remarked, "Everyone was delighted to greet me as soon as I arrived at camp, which increased my determination to work hard."
After a series of strong performances in the 2024–25 Ghana Premier League season, the 32-year-old goalie received his first call-up to the Black Stars. Asare has made 18 appearances for Hearts of Oak and has maintained 12 clean sheets.
Asare's first call-up coincided with a pivotal moment in the 2026 World Cup qualifying tournament when Ghana played two games and won all six points with a resounding eight goals in each game.
The goalie attributed his confidence and motivation to the senior players, especially captain Jordan Ayew. "A special thank you to Jordan Ayew, who never stopped encouraging me and telling me that I could succeed even if I am a local player."
Asare's story demonstrates that local league talent may flourish and reach the top levels.
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Kofi Adams says the Black Stars defeated Chad and Madagascar because of strong leadership.
After the Black Stars' thrilling back-to-back wins, Minister of Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams praised the government's close relationship with the squad.
In the Matchday 5 and 6 matches of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Ghana's senior national team defeated Chad 5-0 at the Accra Sports Stadium before defeating Madagascar 3-0 to snap their six-game losing skid.
In an interview following the wins, Minister Adams attributed the team's comeback to strong leadership from the technical staff and the government.
"The players were taught that they are the best and should, therefore, go out and deliver, and in conjunction with the technical team's tactics, it has helped the team," he told Asempa FM. "There was strong leadership from the technical team to the playing body and from the government," he said.
The Black Stars now lead Group I with 15 points after the two victories. After regrouping for a four-nation competition in England in June, the team will play Matchdays 6 and 7 against Chad and Mali to resume their qualifying campaign.
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