The Black Stars have initiated their preparations for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the Central African Republic.

In the first training session held at the Accra Sports Stadium, twelve players were present.

The coaching staff, under the leadership of Chris Hughton, oversaw a very light session. Assistant coaches Didi Dramani and George Boateng supervised some ball work during the session.

Goalkeeper coach Richard Kingston conducted specific drills with Lawrence Ati Zigi. Additionally, during the session, Ati-Zigi engaged in ball work exercises with a group of players.

Chris Hughton's team currently tops Group E with nine points, holding a one-point lead over Angola and a two-point advantage over the Central African Republic. Madagascar occupies the bottom spot in the group with two points.

To secure qualification for the tournament taking place in Ivory Coast in January, the Black Stars require just one point from the upcoming match.

12 players currently at the first training session of the Black Stars at the Accra Sports Stadium. #JoySports pic.twitter.com/FVPu9gcvxH— ⬅️ #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) September 4, 2023

That was scary at first glance 🤯A thunderous strike from Mohammed Kudus took out Lawrence Ati-Zigi, and the medics had to attend to him 😃#JoySports pic.twitter.com/QKnxMdJyi9— ⬅️ #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) September 4, 2023

Mohammed Kudus, Edmund Addo, Joseph Aidoo and Andre Ayew doing more ball work with Lawrence Ati-Zigi. #JoySports pic.twitter.com/JS8F0MfqvM— ⬅️ #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) September 4, 2023