Heart of Lions goalkeeper Stephen Ahorlu says he is one of the happiest men in the world after being named in Ghana’s provisional 30-man squad for next month’s FIFA World Cup.

Ahorlu has churned out impressive displays between the sticks for Lions in domestic football in recent years but calls by football connoisseurs for his call-up into the national team have often fallen on the deaf ears of national team selectors.

But after impressing with the Local Black Stars team in the successful qualification for next year’s African Nations Championships, CHAN, the goalkeeper’s chance has finally arrived. “I am feeling very very happy. In everything there is always a first and this is my time.

“I never gave up on getting to play for the Black Stars. I have been doing my best for Lions and helped the team to win Top 4, so I knew my day will surely come,” an obviously ecstatic Ahorlu said.

The goalkeeper wants to make the final 23-man squad but is also ready to step into the big shoes of Richard Kingson as the nation’s number one choice should he get the opportunity.

He has thanked coach Milovan Rajevac and the GFA for selecting him and has promised to make himself and the nation proud.