Stars Train Without Boateng, Ayew And Two Others

Ghana’s Black Stars continued with their preparations towards their 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against he Red Devils of Congo on Friday, June 3 at the Baba Yara Sports stadium in Kumasi.

The Stars trained on Monday at the Ohene Djan Stadium, Accra with returnee Michael Essien making his first appearance at training since announcing his comeback. The only notable absentees were defender Jonathan Mensah, midfield duo Andre ‘Dede’ Ayew and Kevin Prince Boateng as well as striker Prince Tagoe.

Both Ayew and Tagoe who were in action for their clubs, Olympique Marseille and Partizan Belgrade over the weekend are due to arrive later on Monday.

According to the technical team, the three players are expected to join their colleagues for the subsequent sessions before their departure for Kumasi on Wednesday.

The session was under the technical guidance of head coach Goran Stevanovic, who took time to rehearse his tactics ahead of Friday’s meeting with the Red Devils. Striker Asamoah Gyan, unavailable for the clash due to suspension joined his colleagues midway through the session.

Players present included goalkeepers Richard Kingson, Sammy Adjei and Ernest Sowah, defender Samuel Inkoom, John Paintsil, Daniel Opare, David Addy, John Mensah, Lee Addy and Isaac Vorsah.

The rest are Anthony Annan, Michael Essien, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, Kwadwo Asamoah, Derek Asamoah, Emmanuel Clottey, Dominic Adiyiah, Sulley Muntari and Asamoah Gyan.

Ghana beat Congo 3-0 in the first leg fixture in Brazzaville last March.