Former Asante Kotoko management member Alhaji Ali Maradona has conceded that Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare fully deserved his Man of the Match award in Sunday's Super Clash—but insists that does not automatically make him ready to be Ghana's number one at the World Cup.
Asare delivered a commanding performance at Baba Yara Stadium, helping the Phobians secure a 1-0 victory over their fiercest rivals despite playing the final stages with ten men.
The display added to an already impressive season that has seen him keep nine clean sheets and concede just four goals in 12 Ghana Premier League appearances.
Speaking on Asempa FM, Maradona acknowledged Asare's quality on the day while drawing a clear distinction between domestic success and the demands of football's biggest stage.
"He deserved the Man of the Match award against Kotoko," Maradona said. "But that is not the World Cup."
The former Kotoko official reiterated his belief that Ghana needs a more experienced option between the posts when the Black Stars open their campaign against Panama on June 17.
"People praise the Hearts of Oak goalkeeper, but let's be honest, he is not at the level of the Black Stars. The World Cup isn't a concert. You need an experienced goalkeeper."
Maradona clarified that he is not advocating for Asare's exclusion from the squad entirely, but questioned whether he should be the automatic first choice.
"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. With crucial friendlies against Austria and Germany looming, the debate over who should start in goal for Ghana's World Cup opener is only just beginning.
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