Thomas Partey

Goal brings you the latest news from the Black Stars’ camp as preparations for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) get underway.

Atletico Madrid ace Thomas Teye Partey was among the absentees as Ghana set their first training session of a three-week pre-Afcon camp in the United Arab Emirates on Monday.

The 25-year-old was among six players yet to report in Dubai.

Deportivo Alaves midfielder Mubarak Wakaso, the US-based duo of Jonathan Mensah and Ebenezer Ofori and goalkeeper Richard Ofori were the other men missing from Monday evening’s session.

Captain Andre Ayew, general skipper Asamoah Gyan, Newcastle United winger Christian Atsu and Inter Milan man Kwadwo Asamoah were among 23 players involved in the maiden training exercise.

Ghana will stay in Dubai for the three-week camp which will include friendly matches against Namibia and South Africa tentatively set for June 9 and 14 respectively.

On June 20, the Black Stars depart for the June 21-July 19 championship in Egypt where they have been pitted against Cameroon, Benin and Guinea-Bissau for the group stage.

On the search for their fifth title, Kwesi Appiah’s outfit will open their campaign against Benin on June 25, face Cameroon on June 29 and wrap up Group F against Guinea-Bissau on July 2.

Source: Goal.com