Ghana's Benjamin Asare is writing his name in golden ink, a true fairytale unfolding for this plucky goalkeeper. The 33-year-old has been the unsung hero of Ghana's World Cup campaign, defying odds and injuries to become a linchpin in their quest for qualification. And what a performance he produced against England on Tuesday – facing a ferocious 19 shots, Asare proved himself a brick wall, securing a crucial 0-0 draw that has left the nation on the cusp of the knockout stages.
Asare's journey to this point is nothing short of remarkable. After a promising career in the Ghana Premier League with Hearts of Oak was threatened by a broken leg in 2021, he could have easily hung up his boots. But no, not this determined individual – having previously juggled work as a bus conductor and taking on odd jobs to make ends meet, Asare refused to surrender his footballing dreams. For years, he relied on public transport to get to training sessions, a far cry from the multi-millionaire superstars he now faces in the World Cup arena.
Then came the call-up to the national team last March at the ripe age of 32 – and what a revelation it has been! Asare has since kept five clean sheets in six World Cup qualifiers and added two more during the current finals, including this vital one against England. His display against the Three Lions left his grandmother beaming with pride and sparked jubilant scenes outside his Accra home.
Speaking after the match, a composed Asare revealed, "Facing Harry Kane is normal. I always want to prove myself and show people that this is my job and I can do it. They (my teammates) know that I can do it. I thank almighty God that he answered my prayers and everything has been successful." Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz, notoriously tight-lipped about individual praise, broke his own rule to hail Asare's 'brilliant' display, crediting the team's collective effort as much as the goalkeeper's quality.
Ghana will now aim for another shut-out in their final Group L showdown against Croatia on Saturday. A draw at Philadelphia would guarantee them a top-two finish and passage into the round of 32 – and who knows? If England slip up in their concurrent match against Panama, the Black Stars could even top the group!