Black Stars goalkeeper, Lawrence Ati Zigi, has shrugged off criticism surrounding his performances and goalkeeping style, insisting that a goalkeeper’s primary responsibility is to make saves regardless of the number of shots faced.
Speaking publicly for the first time since Ghana’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the St. Gallen shot stopper addressed several issues that have dominated discussions among supporters, including comparisons with fellow goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, criticism of his communication with defenders and claims that he is overly dramatic in goal.
Zigi was part of Ghana’s squad that reached the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup in North America before suffering elimination to Colombia.
The goalkeeper featured in two matches, starting the opening fixture against Panama before an injury forced him off at half time, allowing Benjamin Asare to take over. He later returned to the starting lineup for the knockout defeat to Colombia.
The 29-year-old has now made five FIFA World Cup appearances after previously playing three matches in Qatar. Alongside Asare, he helped Ghana record two clean sheets at a single World Cup for the first time in the country’s history, while the Black Stars also kept consecutive World Cup clean sheets for the first time.
‘More Balls Should Come’
One of the standout moments from Zigi’s first interview after the World Cup came when he responded to suggestions that opponents create too many scoring opportunities whenever he is in goal.
Rather than viewing that perception as criticism, the experienced goalkeeper embraced it, explaining that facing more shots simply presents more opportunities to do the job he is selected for. “People say balls come to me when I’m in post. For me, that’s not a problem,” Zigi said. “As a goalkeeper your job is to save. More balls should come.”
The remark highlighted the confidence that has defined the former Ghana number one throughout his career.
While some supporters interpret frequent saves as evidence that the defence is under pressure, Zigi believes a goalkeeper should always be ready to respond whenever called upon.
Responding to Comparisons With Benjamin Asare
Zigi also addressed claims that Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare communicates better with Ghana’s defenders, an argument that gained traction after Asare impressed during the World Cup group stage.
The St. Gallen goalkeeper rejected that assertion, insisting communication has always been an important part of his game even if some fans choose to believe otherwise.
“Communication is a key factor in the game. I don’t think talking to my defenders is something I don’t do. That’s the narrative but everyone has their opinion.”
Lawrence Ati Zigi, Black Stars Goalkeepers
Although Zigi lost his place to Asare during the World Cup qualifiers, he regained the starting role at the tournament, underlining the confidence the new technical team has in his abilities.
Together, the two goalkeepers combined to produce Ghana’s best defensive record at a FIFA World Cup.
Criticism Will Not Change My Game
Beyond comparisons with Asare, Zigi also responded to accusations that he is too dramatic in his goalkeeping style.
He explained that every goalkeeper has a different technique and that effectiveness should be judged by preventing goals rather than the manner in which saves are made. “Goalkeeping is all about reactions. Every goalkeeper has his way of goalkeeping,” he said. “For me, I don’t really think that I’m dramatic when I make a save. My priority is to save.”
The goalkeeper further stressed that criticism is inevitable when representing the national team and revealed that public opinion does not influence how he approaches his game. “Criticism is part of the game but it doesn’t really change anything about my game. As a goalkeeper, your priority is to save goals,” he added.
His remarks are likely to keep discussions over Ghana’s goalkeeping hierarchy alive ahead of the Black Stars’ next international assignments, particularly with the 2027 AFCON qualifiers starting in September.
However, Zigi’s message was clear that his focus is not on outside opinions or comparisons, but on fulfilling the responsibility that comes with wearing the gloves. Whether he faces one shot or twenty, he believes the objective remains the same, to stop the ball from finding the back of the net.
