On Tuesday evening at Gillette Stadium, Benjamin Asare etched his name in history as the first locally-based Ghanaian goalkeeper to start a FIFA World Cup match.

He celebrated this monumental occasion by securing a clean sheet, helping the Black Stars hold tournament favorites England to a hard-fought 0-0 draw in Foxboro.

The 33-year-old shot-stopper from Accra Hearts of Oak showcased his skills with a stunning flying save to deny Bukayo Saka, commanded his six-yard box with authority during a flurry of late England corners, and exited the pitch with Ghana’s prospects in Group L looking more promising than ever.

Asare's inclusion in the starting eleven was not part of the initial game plan. Lawrence Ati-Zigi had been exceptional during the first half of Ghana's opener against Panama in Toronto until a heavy collision in his six-yard box left him with a groin injury.

Head coach Carlos Queiroz and goalkeeper coach Daniel Gaspar made the decision to substitute him at halftime, bringing on Asare for what turned out to be his World Cup debut.

He delivered a composed performance, making three crucial interventions, and held his ground through the tense final moments as Caleb Yirenkyi netted a dramatic 95th-minute winner to secure a 1-0 victory.

Fast forward six days, and with Ati-Zigi unable to pass a late fitness test in Foxboro, the opportunity fell to Asare once again. He fully embraced the trust placed in him. When asked in the mixed zone if he had surprised himself, the Hearts of Oak goalkeeper responded without hesitation.

“I’m so impressed with myself. I think that’s my job. Once it’s my job, I must prove it anytime I’m on the field of play.”

Queiroz was unequivocal in his praise for Asare, stating, “I think Benjamin Asare deserves awards. He was brilliant.”

“It's normal. For me personally, I think it’s just normal because once I’m on the field of play, it’s normal. It’s normal because even top goalkeepers, they face these situations.”

With this performance behind them, Ghana now turns its focus to their final group match against Croatia in Philadelphia on Saturday.