Black Stars head coach, Otto Addo, has revealed the decision to hand Benjamin Asare his debut against Chad was due to his performances in training.

The Hearts of Oak goalkeeper was given the starting berth over Lawrence Ati Zigi and Jojo Wollacott for the crucial 2026 World Cup Qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21.

Asare faced no real tests in the game as the Black Stars picked up a 5-0 win to move to the top of Group I.

Explaining the decision for his surprise pick, Addo said, "I think he [Benjamin Asare] did well [against Chad]. We told all the goalkeepers that we observed them in training. We observed all goalkeepers; we saw a lot of games from all of them.

"They all did well in training. Benjamin [Asare] did a bit better [ahead of Ati-Zigi and Wollacott] and that is why we decided to play him."

The 32-year-old only earned his first call-up to the team ahead of the two games and convinced the technical coaches with his impressive involvement in training.

The Hearts shotstopper will hope he continues in between the sticks when the Black Stars take on Madagascar on matchday six on Monday, March 24, in Morocco.