Former Hearts of Oak head coach Aboubakar Ouattara has expressed strong confidence that Benjamin Asare will return as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper once he fully recovers from injury.
Asare, who is also regarded as the Black Stars’ preferred goalkeeper, has been sidelined for several weeks after picking up an injury during the November international break. His absence paved the way for Solomon Agbasi, who has delivered a string of impressive performances for the Phobians.
Agbasi’s fine form has sparked debate among fans and pundits over whether Asare would automatically regain his starting role upon returning to fitness. However, Ouattara believes the experienced shot-stopper remains Hearts of Oak’s safest option between the posts.
“Solomon Agbasi is doing extremely well, but the fact is Benjamin Asare still remains the number one for Hearts of Oak, and he needs to take over when he is fully fit,” the Ivorian coach told Top FM.
According to sources close to the club, Asare is eager to return to competitive action as he continues his recovery process. Regular game time will be crucial for the goalkeeper as he seeks to regain peak form and solidify his place in the Black Stars squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With competition for the starting role intensifying, Hearts of Oak are expected to benefit from the depth and quality in their goalkeeping department as the season progresses.
