Coach Kwasi Appiah received a massive boost in the Black Stars preparations for the 2014 FIFA World Cup with 23 players out his 26-man provisional squad reporting for duty yesterday on the second training session at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Perhaps more refreshing was the return of young striker Abdul Majeed Waris who had an injury scare after limping off the field in pain following a clash with goalkeeper Fatau Dauda during the team’s opening training session on Tuesday afternoon.
Waris told the Daily Graphic that he suffered a slight knock but opted to sit out of the rest of the session as a precaution.
The first day of training saw only 14 players participating but the number increased yesterday morning as nine more players, including goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey, defenders Jonathan Mensah, John Boye, Jeffery Schlupp, midfielders Andre Dede Ayew, Sulley Muntari, Albert Adomah and forwards Asamoah Gyan and Jordan Ayew, joining the session.
Conspicuously absent were Daniel Opare, midfielders Michael Essien and Kevin-Prince Boateng, who will join the team during the second phase of preparations on May 24 in the Netherlands.
Right full-back Opare is reported to be finalising a move to Portuguese giants FC Porto after refusing to extend his contract with Belgian club, Standard Liege.
Coach Appiah and his assistant, Maxwell Konadu, took the players through their paces with jogging, stretching and ball juggling before splitting the team for a kick-about on half of the pitch in front of some excited spectators.
Goalkeeping trio — Kwarasey, Fatau Dauda and Stephen Adams — were also taken through drills by trainer Nasamu Yakubu.
The Stars will have their final training session this afternoon at 3.00p.m. before taking on a local select side named ‘Dream Team’ in a farewell match tomorrow at the Accra Sports Stadium.
