Black Stars head coach Otto Addo conducted the first training session with 22 players on Saturday afternoon, as Ghana prepares for their crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Niger.
The squad size was reduced after Istanbul Basaksehir defender Jerome Opoku withdrew due to injury on Saturday.
Additionally, winger Joseph Paintsil, who plays for Los Angeles Galaxy, was unable to join the squad as he remained in Accra to resolve passport issues, leaving the team slightly short-staffed ahead of Monday’s decisive match.
Despite these absences, several key players were present for the training session, including goalkeepers Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Joseph Wollacott, and Frederick Asare.
The defensive lineup featured Alidu Seidu, Tariq Lamptey, Mohammed Salisu, and Abdul Mumin.
Midfielders and forwards Fatawu Issahaku, Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo, and Elisha Owusu, who all played in Thursday’s match against Angola, were also involved in the session.
In addition, players who came off the bench in the previous game—Majeed Ashimeru, Forson Amankwah, Inaki Williams, Kingsley Schindler, and Brandon Thomas-Asante—participated in the training, along with Jonas Adjetey, Ibrahim Osman, Ebenezer Annan, and Abu Francis.
The Black Stars are set to face Niger at the Municipal Sports Complex in Berkane on Monday, September 9, 2024.