Ghana begin preparations in Istanbul for World Cup playoff against Egypt

Ghana began its preparations towards their second-leg World Cup qualifier against Egypt with only four players missing.

Kevin-Prince Boateng, Michael Essien, Awal Mohammed and Adam Kwarasey were the notable absentees for the team’s first training session of their camp in Istanbul.

The quartet are yet to arrive to the Black Stars camp due to personal and club duties.

Essien for instance was in Ghana for the burial of his deceased father while Kevin-Prince Boateng is yet to arrive after helping Schalke win a crucial Bundesliga match against Werder Bremen on Saturday,

Adam Kwarasey captained Stromsgodset to the Norwegian league title while Awal Mohammed was in action for Maritzburg United in the South African top flight.

The quartet are however expected to join the team on Wednesday to continue with their preparations.

The Black Stars will remain in the Turkish capital for a week before moving to Cairo a day before the World Cup playoff on November 19.

The team will be battling the Pharaohs at the Air Defence Stadium in the Egyptian capital.

Ghana carry a healthy 6-1 lead going into the return encounter of the tie on November 19.

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