Aboubakar Ouattara backs Benjamin Asare to reclaim Hearts of Oak's starting role from Solomon Agbasi

Former Hearts of Oak head coach Aboubakar Ouattara has backed goalkeeper Benjamin Asare to reclaim his place in the team’s starting eleven once he regains full fitness.

The Black Stars' number one goalkeeper has been out of action for several weeks as a result of an injury setback.

In the period he has been out, Solomon Agbasi, who has taken his place in the Hearts of Oak starting eleven, has been phenomenal in the post.

As a result, many believe Asare will struggle to reclaim his starting position in the team once he is back to full fitness.

Speaking to Top Sports, former coach Aboubakar Ouattara has shared a contrary view. He believes Asare remains the safest pair of hands for the Phobians and should be able to bench Agbasi once he is fit enough to start matches.

“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,” Ouattara said.

Asare is understood to be keen on a return to action to build on his fitness. He will need to play regularly to hit top form to keep his place in the Black Stars squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.