Discipline, merit-based selection behind Black Stars’ progress – Jerome Otchere

Sports analyst Jerome Otchere has attributed the Black Stars’ impressive run at the FIFA World Cup 2026 to discipline, hard work and a merit-based selection process, saying the team’s performances demonstrate that places in the squad are being earned rather than handed out on reputation.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue on Saturday, June 27, Otchere pointed to the performances of goalkeeper Benjamin Asare as evidence that commitment and ability have become the defining factors in the national team’s success.

According to him, although many expected first-choice goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi to retain his place, circumstances created an opportunity for Asare, who has since justified the confidence reposed in him with commanding performances.

“I am not one of those who thought that Asare would start in any of our World Cup matches. I believed he got into the team on merit, but I thought Ati-Zigi, given the exposure and experience, was always going to be number one. But nothing is certain in life. Ati-Zigi got injured and Asare stepped in, and to all intents and purposes, he has demonstrated that it was right to pick him,” he said.

Otchere maintained that Asare has proven himself as Ghana’s best-performing local goalkeeper, stressing that club affiliation should never influence national team selection.

“He is the number one on the local scene, the number one for the country. There’s no question about that. Club affinity doesn’t come in. The evidence is what we have seen, and for some of us, we speak to evidence. The evidence is clear that he is good,” he added.

His comments come after Ghana secured qualification for the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The Black Stars booked their place in the knockout stage after results in Groups F and H mathematically guaranteed qualification, with Ghana collecting four points from their opening two matches.

With qualification already secured, the Black Stars will head into their final Group-stage fixture against Croatia seeking a stronger finish that could earn them a more favourable opponent in the Round of 32.