Accra Hearts of Oak captain and goalkeeper, Benjamin Asare, has reaffirmed his loyalty to the club by signing a two-year contract extension, vowing to play a leading role in restoring the Phobians to their former glory.

The 31-year-old shot-stopper, who joined Hearts last season from city rivals Accra Great Olympics, has grown into a talismanic figure for both club and country, establishing himself as the No.1 for the Black Stars and a key pillar in Coach Aboubacar Ouattara’s team.

This season, Asare has been in scintillating form, making 20 Ghana Premier League appearances and keeping a joint league-best 13 clean sheets – level with Massawudu Inusah of Aduana FC and Emmanuel Kobi of Bibiani Gold Stars. 

His exceptional run of form is no flash in the pan – it mirrors a steady rise in his career marked by consistency and resilience.

He was a standout performer for Great Olympics last season, keeping an impressive 16 clean sheets in 33 matches, though his heroics were not enough to save the 'Wonder Club' from relegation. His form, however, did not go unnoticed.

It was that level of consistency that eventually caught the eye of Black Stars head coach Otto Addo, who rewarded the keeper with a maiden international call-up.

Asare didn’t just warm the bench – he seized the moment, displacing seasoned campaigners Lawrence Ati Zigi and Joseph Wollacott to start in Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar – and kept clean sheets in both.

Such was his impact that Otto Addo declared him Ghana’s new No.1 after just two appearances.

Despite interest from clubs across the continent, Asare opted to stay put at Hearts – a decision rooted in gratitude and ambition.

Speaking after signing the new deal last Thursday, Asare said it was a deliberate and heartfelt choice.

“I feel excited to have been given the opportunity to play for one of the biggest football clubs in the world. Hearts of Oak has lifted my image, and the only way to repay the confidence they have shown me is to extend my contract, play my heart out, and contribute positively to the success of the team,” he said.

The in-form shot-stopper also used the moment to rally his teammates behind the club’s collective vision.

“I urge my teammates to remain focused and give their all to ensure that we restore Hearts of Oak to its enviable status on the continent.”

Coach Ouattara welcomed the contract extension, describing Asare as pivotal to his rebuilding project.

“I am very happy Benjamin Asare is staying with us for two more seasons,” he said.

“To stabilise the goalkeeping department, we need a goalkeeper who is disciplined and talented, and also able to mentor the other two young goalkeepers. We need him.”

While Hearts remain tight-lipped about the financials, Communications Manager, Kwame Opare Addo confirmed the deal includes a salary upgrade and enhanced benefits.