Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has revealed that it remains unclear whether first-choice goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi will be fit enough to return for the Black Stars’ crucial final Group L match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The experienced goalkeeper missed Ghana’s highly competitive clash against England on Tuesday, with Benjamin Asare stepping in to help the Black Stars secure an impressive goalless draw against one of the tournament favourites. The result moved Ghana onto four points from two matches and left the team in a strong position to qualify for the Round of 32.
Despite the encouraging performance against England, attention has quickly shifted to the fitness of Ati-Zigi, who has been one of Ghana’s most reliable players in recent years and remains an important figure within the national team setup.
Queiroz Waiting for Final Assessment
Speaking after the match, Queiroz admitted that the medical team still needs more time before determining whether the goalkeeper will be available for Ghana’s final group-stage encounter.
The veteran Portuguese coach explained that Wednesday’s training session will provide a clearer picture regarding Ati-Zigi’s condition and whether he can be considered for selection against Croatia.
“Well, not sure yet. Tomorrow we have training and that will be decisive for us to have a picture about him,” Queiroz said.
The comments suggest the coaching staff are taking a cautious approach and do not want to rush the goalkeeper back before he is fully ready.
With such an important match approaching, Ghana’s technical team will be keen to ensure any returning player is capable of performing at the highest level without risking further injury.
Injuries Have Tested Ghana’s Squad
While discussing Ati-Zigi’s fitness, Queiroz also highlighted the significant challenges Ghana have faced before and during the tournament because of injuries to several key players.
The Black Stars arrived at the World Cup without some of their most experienced and influential squad members, forcing the coaching staff to adapt their plans and rely on other players to step up when needed.
Queiroz paid tribute to those absent stars and praised the determination shown by the players who have featured in the competition.
“We have to remember the four players we lost a couple of weeks before the World Cup, which is Mohammed Salisu, Mohammed Kudus, Alexander Djiku and Ati-Zigi. So this effort from the team is dedicated to these four starting members.”
The absence of players such as Mohammed Kudus, Mohammed Salisu and Alexander Djiku would have weakened many national teams. However, Ghana have managed to remain competitive despite those setbacks, demonstrating the strength and unity within the squad.
Benjamin Asare Steps Up Impressively
One of the biggest positives for Ghana during Ati-Zigi’s absence has been the emergence of Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare.
The experienced shot-stopper has taken his opportunity brilliantly, producing composed and confident performances whenever called upon. After helping Ghana defeat Panama in their opening match, he followed that display with another impressive outing against England.
Asare showed excellent concentration throughout the match, remaining alert despite England dominating possession for long periods. His communication with defenders and calm presence inside the penalty area helped Ghana maintain their defensive shape and secure another valuable clean sheet.
The goalkeeper’s performances have earned praise from supporters and pundits alike, with many viewing him as one of Ghana’s standout performers so far at the tournament.
His form has also helped ease concerns surrounding Ati-Zigi’s absence, giving Queiroz confidence that Ghana have capable options available in goal.
Ghana Continue to Defy Expectations
Few teams have had to deal with as many injury concerns as Ghana ahead of the World Cup, yet the Black Stars continue to exceed expectations.
Their campaign began with a hard-fought victory over Panama before they produced one of their most disciplined displays in recent years to hold England to a draw.
Against England, Ghana showed defensive organisation, tactical discipline and tremendous commitment, frustrating a team filled with Premier League stars and limiting them to very few clear opportunities.
The result earned widespread praise and strengthened belief that Ghana can make a deep run in the competition if they continue performing at the same level.
Queiroz has repeatedly spoken about the importance of teamwork, sacrifice and collective effort, and those qualities have been evident throughout the tournament.
Croatia Match Now Takes Centre Stage
With the England match behind them, Ghana’s full focus has shifted towards their decisive encounter against Croatia.
The Black Stars know that another positive result could secure qualification for the knockout stage and continue what has already been an encouraging World Cup campaign.
Croatia boosted their own hopes of progression with victory over Panama, meaning both teams will enter the contest knowing that the stakes could hardly be higher.
For Ghana, having Ati-Zigi available would provide an additional boost because of his experience and leadership. However, Queiroz will be encouraged by the fact that Asare has performed so well in his absence.
The competition for places may even give the coaching staff a difficult but welcome decision to make if Ati-Zigi is declared fit.
Black Stars Determined to Reach Knockout Stage
The mood within the Ghana camp remains positive after collecting four points from the opening two matches.
Players and coaches understand that nothing has been achieved yet, but they also know they are in a strong position heading into the final round of group fixtures.
Qualification for the Round of 32 remains firmly within their grasp, and the team will be determined to finish the job against Croatia.
For now, all eyes remain on Lawrence Ati-Zigi’s recovery as Ghana await the outcome of the next training session. Whether he returns or not, the Black Stars have already shown they possess the depth, resilience and determination needed to compete at the highest level.
As the decisive match approaches, Queiroz and his players will be hoping to welcome back one of their key figures while continuing their quest to reach the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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