Vanderpuye says 'Ghana's best goalkeeper' Benjamin Asare lacks many things

Former Sports Minister Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye has delivered a scathing assessment of Benjamin Asare, describing the Hearts of Oak shot-stopper as a player who falls short despite being widely regarded as Ghana's best goalkeeper.

Speaking on Citi FM's Sports Panorama on Friday, April 3, 2026, Vanderpuye argued that even Asare, who has been a regular fixture in the Black Stars setup, does not meet the standard required for international football.

"Even Benjamin Asare is a problem. He may be the best goalkeeper in the country, but he lacks many things. Against Germany, he came out twice, and both situations were disasters," he said.

His comments come in the wake of Ghana's 2-1 friendly defeat to Germany, where Asare's positioning and decision-making were called into question during two critical moments.

Vanderpuye's broader argument was that no locally based player currently deserves a place in the Black Stars, dismissing calls for greater inclusion of home-based talent.

"When I hear calls to include local players, I sometimes laugh. How is it possible? They play like Colts players. Who are these local players? The standard is poor. Name three who are good enough to start."

Asare has been one of the Ghana Premier League's most consistent performers for Hearts of Oak, earning him a regular spot in the national team. But for Vanderpuye, the gap between domestic football and the international level remains too wide.

The Black Stars have been without a permanent head coach since Otto Addo's departure and are preparing for the 2026 World Cup, where they have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama.

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