Ranking the Top 6 Ghana Goalkeepers Of All Time, Including Richard Kingson
- Since gaining independence, Ghana has produced a number of outstanding goalkeepers who have written their names into football history
- These shot-stoppers have stood tall for the Black Stars on the biggest stages, from AFCON finals to memorable World Cup campaigns
- To celebrate their legacy, YEN.com.gh has put together a ranking of the six greatest Ghanaian goalkeepers of all time
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Several goalkeepers have left their mark on Ghana’s national team over the years, each playing a vital role as the last line of defense.
From heroic saves to game-changing performances, these shot-stoppers have shaped unforgettable moments in the Black Stars’ history.
Source: Getty Images
But who deserves the crown as the greatest of all time?
To settle the debate, YEN.com.gh has ranked the top six Ghanaian goalkeepers in history.
Edward Ansah
The Tema-born goalkeeper enjoyed a remarkable career across Ghana, Nigeria, and India before retiring in 2004.
Ansah was Ghana’s No.1 at the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations, guiding the Black Stars to a runners-up finish after a dramatic penalty shootout defeat to Ivory Coast.
Remarkably, he earned a recall at age 40 in 2003, making three more appearances under Burkhard Ziese.
Beyond his playing days, Ansah coached Ghana’s goalkeepers until 2010 before moving into management, where he led Hearts of Oak, Bechem United, Dreams FC, and Indian side Churchill Brothers.
Dodoo Ankrah
Though it’s been nearly six decades since his last game for Ghana, Dodoo Ankrah’s name still shines brightly.
He was the Black Stars’ first-choice goalkeeper when they won their maiden AFCON title on home soil in 1963 and was part of the team that defended the crown in Tunisia two years later.
Ankrah also represented Ghana at the 1964 Olympic Games and, at club level, helped Real Republicans secure four consecutive FA Cups between 1961 and 1965.
Joe Carr
Inspired by his idol Robert Mensah, Joe Carr followed in his footsteps by moving from Ebusua Dwarfs to Asante Kotoko.
Known for his sharp reflexes and interceptions, Carr even shared his hero’s trademark of wearing a hat in goal.
His defining moment came in 1978 when he was in goal as Ghana clinched the Africa Cup of Nations.
Sammy Adjei
A key figure for both club and country, Sammy Adjei earned 38 international caps and was Ghana’s undisputed No.1 until 2006.
With Hearts of Oak, he achieved continental glory, winning the CAF Champions League in 2000 and multiple league titles.
His career also took him abroad to Tunisia and Israel before he retired in 2013.
Robert Mensah
Arguably Ghana’s most legendary goalkeeper, Robert Mensah combined supreme skill with unmatched confidence.
Famous for taunting opponents by pretending to read a newspaper in goal and wearing a cap, which some believed brought bad luck, Mensah’s charisma matched his talent.
He was runner-up for the 1971 African Footballer of the Year award and led Ghana to the AFCON final in 1968, also representing the nation at the Olympics that year.
With Asante Kotoko, he won both the league and the CAF Champions League. Tragically, his life was cut short in 1971 when he was stabbed to death at just 32 years old.
Richard Kingson
At the top of the list stands Richard Kingson, Ghana’s most capped goalkeeper with 90 appearances.
Taking over from Sammy Adjei in 2006, he became a pillar for the Black Stars, starring in AFCON tournaments, earning All-Star Team selections in 2008 and 2010, and playing a pivotal role in Ghana’s historic run to the 2010 World Cup quarter-finals.
Kingson’s club career took him to Turkey and England, where he represented sides like Galatasaray and Blackpool.
Since retiring in 2015, he has served as the Black Stars’ goalkeeping coach, continuing his legacy off the pitch.
Source: YEN.com.gh
