Former Asante Kotoko shot-stopper Ibrahim Danlad has thrown his full weight behind fellow goalkeeper Benjamin Asare ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stressing that his role is to offer prayers rather than instructions.
With the Ghana national football team stepping up preparations for the global showpiece to be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico, discussions have intensified over who will be trusted with the gloves for the four-time African champions.
Danlad, however, believes hierarchy and mutual respect must be upheld.
“Benjamin Asare is my senior, so it wouldn’t be right for me to advise him. I can only seek God’s luck, favour, and strength for him, to protect him from any disgrace or injuries,” he told 3Sports.
Rather than positioning himself as a mentor, the former Black Stars goalkeeper spoke with admiration about Asare’s character and discipline, pointing to his professionalism as a key asset to the team.
“I really admire his conduct both on and off the pitch, and I pray that he performs exceptionally well for Ghana in the tournament,” Danlad added.
As Ghana look to turn the page on recent World Cup disappointments, attention will naturally centre on the man selected to guard the posts in Group L clashes against Panama, England and Croatia.
The Black Stars are scheduled to begin their campaign against Panama on June 17, followed by fixtures against England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.
In the lead-up to the tournament, the squad is expected to regroup in March for friendly matches against Austria and Germany, before rounding off preparations with a final test against Mexico in May.
The team will set up camp at Bryant University in the United States throughout the competition, determined to break free from consecutive early exits and mount a more convincing challenge on football’s biggest stage.