Football

Didi Dramani confirms Benjamin Asare close to return for Hearts of Oak

Hearts of Oak head coach Didi Dramani has provided a positive update on the fitness of goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, confirming that the shot-stopper is edging closer to a return after a spell on the sidelines.

Asare has been unavailable since picking up an injury during an international friendly against South Korea in November. The setback ruled the Black Stars’ first-choice goalkeeper out of action for seven league fixtures, with his most recent appearance coming in the Super Clash against Asante Kotoko on November 9, 2025.

Encouragingly for Hearts fans, the goalkeeper has resumed training and is steadily regaining match sharpness. Dramani revealed that Asare has been back with the squad since mid-December and has already featured in a friendly as part of his recovery process.

“Benjamin (Asare) trained throughout last week. So he is about seventy per cent ready. He played 30 minutes of our friendly game last week.”

“We are trying to integrate him gradually so that he comes back. He went out with a force majeure, so that influences how we reintegrate him in the squad,” Didi Dramani said in Saturday’s post-match conference.

Asare is now expected to be included in the travelling party for Hearts of Oak’s crucial away fixture against second-placed Medeama S.C. on Friday, although a final decision on his involvement will depend on his progress in training.

Hearts of Oak currently sit fifth on the Ghana Premier League table with 28 points following their recent victory over FC Samartex.

With Medeama just two points ahead and locked level with leaders Asante Kotoko, the Phobians will be aiming to build momentum as the season intensifies, buoyed by the imminent return of their first-choice goalkeeper.

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