Former Ghanaian goalkeeper Abukari Damba has emphasized the importance of consistent game time for Abdul Manaf Nurudeen to establish himself as the Black Stars’ first-choice goalkeeper.

Manaf, who plays for KAS Eupen in Belgium, has been in the spotlight following his performances in Ghana’s recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. He impressed during the 1-1 draw against Angola in Luanda and also featured in the 2-1 defeat to Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium in the final Group F game.

Despite his potential, Damba believes the 24-year-old goalkeeper needs more exposure and opportunities to build the resilience and consistency required at the highest level.

“I wish to express my gratitude to all the goalkeepers who have held the fort for some time now, but we need to understand that goalkeeping is not a one-off thing,” Damba told Pan-Africa Football. “It’s a very sensitive position. To excel, you need consistency, which comes only with playing many more games.”

Damba stressed that being a reliable goalkeeper involves not only showcasing talent in a few matches but also demonstrating the ability to recover from mistakes and perform under pressure in diverse situations.

“So for me, I think they are doing their part, but we need to see them at different levels—different opponents, tournaments, and pressure situations. You cannot judge a goalkeeper based on two or three games. Let’s see them in competitions and evaluate their endurance over time.”

Manaf Nurudeen, who graduated from Ghana’s U-20 ranks, has made four senior appearances for the Black Stars. At KAS Eupen, he has played six matches this season, conceding 10 goals without recording a clean sheet.

Damba’s comments underline the importance of nurturing consistency and mental fortitude in goalkeepers to secure a lasting position in the national team setup.