Aduana Stars central defender Emmanuel Akuoku believes his hard work has been rewarded following his call up to the Ghana local national team ahead of the qualifiers of the 2016 African Nations Championship (Chan) in Rwanda.

The towering defender, who has been instrumental in Aduana’s climb to second place in the league, figures on coach Maxwell Konadu's 27-man squad summoned to camp for preparations.

“My hard work has been finally rewarded, I have been seeking for this opportunity for long and I am glad it has finally come,” Akuoku told Goal.

“This is just the first big step. My aim is to break into the main Black Stars team and also show what I can do because I believe in my qualities,” he said.

Akuoku and co stunned league leaders Obuasi Ashanti Gold 1-0 on Sunday to end the Miners five-game unbeaten run.

“It was a very tough game against Ashanti Gold. They are a good team, but our home is a no go area. We are very strong there and we proved it once again by conquering them.”

“Our aim at Aduana Stars is to win the league for the second time in our young history,” he said.