Before a decision is reached regarding his availability against England, the St. Gallen goalkeeper, who sustained his injury in a first-half collision against Panama, has resumed light individual training. He will be evaluated at Ghana’s final session on Monday.
Before head coach Carlos Queiroz decides whether Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi is available for Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L match against England in Boston, Ati-Zigi will have a late fitness test during the Black Stars’ final training session on Monday.
During Ghana’s 1-0 victory over Panama at BMO Field on Wednesday, Ati-Zigi sustained a groin injury. The 29-year-old made an early diving stop to deny Cecilio Waterman from close range from Amir Murillo’s low cross, making him perhaps Ghana’s finest player during a close first half.
While racing off his line to make a second intervention, he picked up his problem in a strong collision, landed awkwardly, and was clearly in pain on the field.
Benjamin Asare was brought in for the second half when Queiroz and the medical staff decided to rule out the St. Gallen goalkeeper, who had received treatment twice prior to the break and attempted to play.
Ati-Zigi has been closely monitored at the team’s training facility at Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island, since the victory in Toronto. The morning following the Panama game, he completely skipped the rehabilitation session. Under the guidance of goalkeepers coach Daniel Gaspar, he worked through a brief, one-on-one session away from the main group on Saturday, his first time back on the turf.
Speaking to the media at the Black Stars’ training facility, Gaspar gave a cautiously hopeful update on the goalkeeper’s development without providing a timeframe.
“We’re quite pleased with his development. We shall approach it session by session, day by day. We are hopeful about his development. At the appropriate moment, the decision will be taken.
Benjamin Asare is in a strong position to start his first World Cup if Ati-Zigi fails that last test. Caleb Yirenkyi’s goal in the 95th minute sealed the victory for the Hearts of Oak goalkeeper, who came on cold against Panama and produced a calm half-hour plus, including three crucial saves.
On Tuesday, June 23, Ghana will play England in their second World Cup group match at Boston Stadium.
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