Hearts of Oak head coach, Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, has firmly ended speculation over the club’s goalkeeping hierarchy, throwing his full support behind Black Stars shot-stopper Benjamin Asare as the Phobians’ preferred first-choice goalie as the 2025/26 season enters its decisive phase.

Asare’s place between the posts had come under scrutiny after the 32-year-old spent a large part of the first round sidelined by a long-term injury.

In his absence, young goalkeeper Solomon Agbasi seized his opportunity with both hands, delivering a series of assured performances that ignited debate among the Hearts faithful.

The 25-year-old Agbasi, who joined Hearts from Dream FC at the start of the season, has featured in eight league matches, keeping an impressive six clean sheets and conceding just three goals.

His composure and consistency sparked calls for him to retain the No. 1 shirt even after Asare’s return, with some drawing parallels to Spanish gaints Barcelona, where German international Marc-André ter Stegen has reportedly lost his place to summer signee Joan Garcia, following a run of strong displays.

However, Asare has wasted no time in reasserting his authority since regaining full fitness. He returned to the starting line-up in the 1-0 victory over Hohoe United on January 11 and followed it up with a commanding Man-of-the-Match performance as Hearts survived a stern test against Dreams FC in a goalless draw at the University of Ghana Stadium last Friday.

The intense competition for the gloves even fuelled speculation linking Agbasi with a January move to arch-rivals Asante Kotoko, although the transfer window closed at midnight last Thursday without a deal.

Despite Agbasi’s impressive emergence, Coach Dramani insists there is no ambiguity over who remains Hearts’ safest pair of hands.

“Benjamin Asare is our primary goalkeeper and team captain,” he told reporters last week. “When he is fit and prepared, he is chosen to start the match.”

With 32 points from 19 matches, Hearts of Oak currently sit eight points adrift of leaders Medeama SC as the title race heats up.

The former champions will look to maintain momentum when they face neighbours Eleven Wonders on Matchday 20 this Saturday, January 24, at the University of Ghana Stadium, Legon.