Black Stars Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare Dismisses Claims of Squad Division Over Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy Rivalry

Ghana Black Stars goalkeeper Benjamin Asare has officially dismissed reports suggesting a rift within the national team's camp during the 2026 FIFA World Cup cycle. The allegations, which circulated widely across various digital platforms, claimed that the squad had been divided into factions based on their allegiances to rival Ghanaian dancehall icons Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy. Asare's clarification aims to silence rumors that have suggested professional relationships within the team were being compromised by external pop culture rivalries and musical fan bases.

Speaking in an interview with journalist Ohemaa Woyeje, Asare termed the reports of internal tension as entirely false. He specifically addressed the claim that his personal support for Shatta Wale—often referred to as being part of the Shatta Movement (SM)—implied a dislike for Stonebwoy or created conflict with teammates who might support the latter. The goalkeeper emphasized that personal musical preferences do not dictate the dynamics of the national team, highlighting a clear distinction between being a fan of an artist and maintaining professional unity on the international stage.

Asare further noted that he maintains a significant distance from social media speculation, which he identified as the primary source of these divisive narratives. By choosing to ignore the noise of online platforms, he suggested that the perceived friction was a creation of the public rather than a reality within the locker room. These comments underscore the importance of team cohesion as the Black Stars navigate major tournaments, ensuring that off-pitch distractions do not derail the national team's focus on their collective objectives and performance for the country.