Stephen Ahorlu was one of just a handful of locally based players among the six African representatives at the WC2010, and one of only two players from Ghana Premier League clubs in his country’s squad. Never before capped for Ghana, he has been chosen for South Africa 2010 after an outstanding domestic season that has led to him taking over as the third choice goalkeeper, behind veteran Richard Kingson and U-20 star Daniel Agyei.
Ahorlu made a strong impression playing for Ghana’s locally-based Stars in the regional West African Football Union competition in Nigeria in April, and also for the home-based team in the CAF African Nations Championship. He was a surprise pick by Herbert Addo, coach of the local side, ahead of more established candidates and kept a clean sheet over two legs against Burkina Faso. It helped to qualify Ghana for next year’s CHAN-2011 tournament in Sudan.
With first choice goalkeeper Kingson now approaching the end of his international career, the 21-year-old Ahorlu has a chance to impress Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac for the upcoming 2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Rajevac will be able to study his potential at close quarters during the numerous FIFA World Cup training sessions. Ahorlu was chosen for Ghana’s 23-man squad ahead of Stephen Adams, who in April beat him to the award for the best goalkeeper during Ghana’s domestic season.