Asare has travelled with the Black Stars for Thursday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Chad in N’Djamena, ruling him out of the high-profile fixture. His absence leaves coach Didi Dramani with a big decision in goal, but the Hearts boss insists the squad is well prepared.

“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,” Dramani told reporters at Wednesday’s pre-match press conference.

He stressed that Asare’s involvement with the national team should be seen as a positive for the Phobians. “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, which was launched last year by Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, is fast becoming a fixture on Ghana’s football calendar. Kumasi Asante Kotoko beat Hearts 2-1 in the inaugural final in 2024, and this year’s edition carries added weight, with the winners earning a place in a three-club international tournament in May 2026.

Hearts, who finished runners-up in the recent GHALCA Top 4 tournament, are determined to bounce back. Midfielder Raphael Amponsah said his side would approach the game like a “wounded lion” in pursuit of silverware for the fans.

Olympics coach Sulley Amadu, however, has vowed to spoil the party, describing the clash as a stepping stone for his side to return to the Ghana Premier League. “We are going to exhibit good football and win the trophy for our fans,” he declared.

Adding to the spectacle, a curtain-raiser will see a parliamentary team, captained by former Black Stars midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu, face a Judiciary XI led by ex-national skipper John Mensah. With giveaways, a Man of the Match prize, and fan raffles lined up, organisers are promising a festive atmosphere to match the football.