There were only thirteen Black Stars players present on Monday as the Black Stars opened their training sessions ahead of their double header in 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers
Ghana’s senior national team began preparations on Monday, August 30, 2021 at the McDan Park in La, Accra ahead of the 2022 Fifa World Cup Group qualifying games against Ethiopia and South Africa respectively next month.
Thirteen players, including ten foreign-based, out of the 31 players named by head coach C.K Akonnor a fortnight ago, were present to participate in the first training session.
Captain Andre Ayew who recently signed for Qatari giants Al Sadd from Swansea City was present and led the the players through the training sessions. Also present was his junior brother Jordan Ayew as well as Reading defender Baba Rahman.
The rest included defender Jonathan Mensah who is making a return to the team after almost two years away. China-based Mubarak Wakaso and Samuel Owusu as well as Spezia Calcio forward Emmanuel Gyasi reported on time to partake in the training.
Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Richard Attah and midfielder Afriyie Barbie were among the locally based players that were around. The others included Asante Kotoko defender Ismail Abdul Ganiu and Steadfast youngster Abdul Fatawu Isahaku.
The Black Stars will continue their fine tuning on Tuesday and several players are expected to arrive in the country on time to partake in the second session.
Ghana will host Ethiopia in the opening group game on September 3 at the Cape Coast Stadium before they travel to Johannesburg three days later to square it off with South Africa in the next game.