Hearts of Oak will be without first-choice goalkeeper Benjamin Asare when they face city rivals Great Olympics in the Democracy Cup on Friday at the University of Ghana Stadium.

Asare is currently with the Black Stars, who play Chad on Thursday afternoon in a 2026 World Cup qualifier in N’Djamena.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Wednesday, Hearts head coach Didi Dramani said he has capable replacements for the club’s captain.

“First of all, every player in our domain is so, so important, and we cherish every player. In the course of the season, you might not have all your players, and so you try as much as possible to get every player very, very ready. Maybe some players will have their debut in this encounter.

“For us, we prepared Benjamin to the best that we can, you know, to have that production to the national team. That’s a big plus for the club. So also, his space has been occupied by another person, and it gives everyone the opportunity to stand in when the opportunity comes.”

The Democracy Cup is in its second edition, with Asante Kotoko beating Hearts of Oak to last year’s trophy.