Black Stars get down to work in Accra

The Black Stars held their first training session on Monday in Accra, marking the beginning of a key week for Kwesi Appiah's men.

Ghana take on Zambia on Friday in Kumasi in the last match of the second round qualifier for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

With the Black Stars sitting top of the Group D standings and looking to confirm their place in the third round stage, twelve players turned up for training on the first day at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Captain Asamoah Gyan, Albert Adomah, Rashid Sumaila, Mahatma Otoo, Kwadwo Asamoah, Jonathan Mensah, Razak Braimah, Fatau Dauda, Rabiu Mohammed, Christian Atsu, Mubarak Wakaso and Awal Mohammed were all present on the first day.

Also joining in was Michael Essien, who took part during the groups running sessions but remained on the sidelines when the ball work started.

Kwesi Appiah expects more player arrivals for Tuesday's double session.

The Black Stars are in first place and one point better than Zambia on the table ahead of their final meeting at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.

Winners of the second round stage will advance to the final round where ten sides will be paired off for the final stage during October and November with the winners of the five home-and-away ties qualifying for Brazil 2014.