The Black Stars held their first training session in Kobe ahead of their opening game against host Japan in the 21st edition of the Kirin Cup tournament.
Ghana head coach, Otto Addo has only 18 players in camp at the moment as they continue with preparations towards their encounter against the Blue Samurai tomorrow.
The team currently comprises of only two goalkeepers, five defenders, only three defenders and eight forwards- who took part in the first session and will be the same squad to partake in the competition with future covid cases likely to be recorded.
Most of the players are out of the tournament because of injuries and illness, some have tested positive for Covid-19 whiles others have also seek for permission to leave.
The team left already without goalkeeper Richard Ofori, Antoine Semenyo all due to injuries. Injured Thomas Partey was excused earlier so as center-back Alexander Djiku who got married just recently.
Daniel Afriyie Barnieh after being left out, returned into the team unlike Augustine Okrah who turned down the second invite. Kotoko goalie Danlad Ibrahim has also rejected his call up to stay up for their coronation game against Elmina Sharks on Sunday.
On their arrival, three players, Elisha Owusu, Gideon Mensah and Osman Bukari have all proved positive for COVID-19 per reports whiles Daniel Kofi Kyereh and Iddrisu Baba have all been excused to rejoin their clubs due to unknown reasons.
The Black Stars will kickoff their campaign against host nation Japan on Friday, June 10, 2022 at the Noevir Stadium in Kobe.
By: Iddriss Abdul Rahim
