Black Stars goalkeeper Benjamin Asare says facing and preventing English striker Harry Kane from finding the back of the net was very normal.

Kane led the Three Lions as they were held to a pulsating scoreless draw by Ghana during England’s World Cup group game in Boston on Tuesday.

The skipper recorded just a single shot on target throughout the entire game, with the Bayern Munich talisman also having another late effort saved and multiple attempts blocked by the defense.

Asare, who was handed his first start in post, put up a splendid performance, winning the applause of Ghanaians across the world to keep his second clean sheet.

At 33, Asare showed resilience, commanding his backline while making three crucial saves on the day against an English team with four shots on target from a total of 19 attempts.

Speaking after the game, Asare admitted that the world’s top goalkeepers do fail to keep clean sheets, and he is not an exception.

He stressed that he is focused on improving each day and keen on proving to the world that it is his job and he is bent on doing it.

“It’s normal because even the top goalkeepers do concede goals, so how much more me?”

They can score me, but I always want to improve and also prove to people that it is my job and that I can do it. I’m very impressed with the point gained for Ghanaians,” he told Joy Sports’ Fentuo Tahiru.

When quizzed on how the news came to him as a part of the starting lineup, the Hearts of Oak’s safest pair said,

“It was massive in the dressing room, and most of my teammates knew that I could do it, and that is how the Shatta Movement is because I do it for my life,” he added.

Asare is the only local player from the Ghana Premier League playing at the World Cup after an excellent campaign for the Phobians.

He made a cameo appearance in Ghana’s 1-0 victory in the opening game against Panama, replacing Lawrence Ati-Zigi, who picked up an injury in a first-half collision.

Ghana now has four points and will face Croatia in their final group game on June 27 in Philadelphia, where a win or draw seals a round 32 spot for the West Africans.

England midfielder Declan Rice has praised Ghana’s disciplined defensive display after the Black Stars held the Three Lions to a goalless draw in their second Group L match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Despite dominating possession for long spells, England found it difficult to break down a well-organised Ghana side that remained compact and resilient throughout the contest.

It was Ghana’s second consecutive clean sheet in the tournament, following their opening win over Panama.

Speaking after the match, Rice admitted England were frustrated by Ghana’s structure and credited the Black Stars for their performance.

“It’s always difficult when you play against eleven behind the ball,” Rice told the BBC. “Give credit to Ghana, they were very compact and organised. It was tough. They are good players.”

“We keep going, we still have a great chance of finishing top of the group. There’s no need to be negative, we need to stay positive.”

The result leaves England top of Group L on four points, level with Ghana, who sit second on goal difference.

Both teams remain firmly in contention for qualification to the Round of 32, with Ghana now turning their attention to a decisive final group-stage clash against Croatia on June 27

Ghana produced a disciplined and resilient display to hold England to a goalless draw in their second Group L match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday night in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

The result leaves the Black Stars in a strong position in the race for a place in the knockout stages after following up their opening victory over Panama with a hard-earned point against one of the tournament favourites.

Head coach Carlos Queiroz made four changes to the side that defeated Panama, with Thomas Partey returning to the starting lineup after missing the opening game.

Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare retained his place between the posts, while Inaki Williams and Kwasi Sibo were also handed starts.

As expected, England controlled possession for large periods of the contest and attempted to impose themselves from the opening whistle.

However, Ghana’s defensive organisation frustrated the Three Lions throughout the match.

The Black Stars remained compact and disciplined, limiting clear-cut opportunities despite England’s dominance of the ball.

Jonas Adjetey and Jerome Opoku were outstanding in central defence, while Gideon Mensah and Marvin Senaya worked tirelessly to keep England’s dangerous attacking players at bay.

Ghana also posed a threat on the counterattack through the pace of Inaki Williams and Antoine Semenyo, although the final ball often lacked the precision needed to trouble the English defence.

The game’s defining moments came late in the second half as England intensified their search for a winner.

Captain Harry Kane came closest when he found space inside the penalty area and unleashed a powerful effort towards goal in the 86th minute.

However, Asare produced a magnificent save to push the ball away and preserve Ghana’s clean sheet.

Moments later, England were denied again when Nico O’Reilly rose highest to meet a cross, only to see his header crash against the crossbar.

The near misses summed up England’s frustrating evening as Ghana’s defence stood firm until the final whistle.

For Queiroz and his players, the draw will feel almost as valuable as a victory. The Black Stars showed tactical discipline, determination and defensive solidity against one of the strongest teams in the competition.

With four points from their opening two matches, Ghana now head into their final group fixture against Croatia knowing that another positive result could secure a place in the knockout stages of the World Cup. (more…)

Ghanaian spiritualist Nana Kwaku Bonsam has claimed he is working spiritually to prevent England captain Harry Kane from making an impact in Tuesday’s FIFA World Cup Group L clash against the Black Stars.

Bonsam, one of Ghana’s most well-known traditional spiritual figures, said he intends to use his powers to hinder the Bayern Munich striker during the highly anticipated encounter between Ghana and England.

Speaking to Daily Star ahead of the match, Bonsam insisted he was not hoping to cause Kane any serious harm but wanted to ensure the England captain was unable to influence the game.

“I am working to stop Harry Kane. I have shown what I am capable of before, so I know what work I must do to stop him,” he said.

“I am very famous for my predictions. I am not wishing him serious injury. It will be just enough to stop him against my country. I will do my work so that it can help Ghana.”

Black Stars deputy captain Thomas Partey has confirmed his readiness to contribute to the team’s efforts in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup after missing the opening fixture.

During a training session interview, the 33-year-old Villarreal player maintained a positive outlook despite recent setbacks.

“Things happen in football that you cannot control but for me, now I feel okay and I’m ready to play,” Partey stated.

Ghana’s experienced midfielder was absent from their Group L opener against Panama in Toronto on June 17 due to a visa denial. Despite this, Ghana won 1-0, with the winning goal coming in stoppage time.

The team publicly dedicated their hard-won victory to Partey, showing their unity and determination.

Having now linked up with the team in the United States, Partey is anticipated to bolster the lineup for upcoming matches, including the crucial Group L encounter against England at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.

For over a decade, Partey has been a key figure in Ghana’s midfield. He brings leadership and tactical discipline to Carlos Queiroz’s squad and his return is seen as a timely boost. This comes as the Black Stars aim to progress from a challenging group containing strong European sides.

The team will aim to build momentum from their opening win as they continue their World Cup journey.