The Black Stars held their first training session at their training base in Abu Dhabi on Saturday night ahead of the 2013 African Cup of Nations.

Twenty three players trained at the under Coach Kwesi Appiah and his assistants Maxwell Konadu and goalkeepers’ trainer Nassam Yakubu.

Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan missed the session after he was granted permission to attend to urgent family matters.

However, Derek Boateng who was expected to miss the tournament in entirety was present contrary to rumours that his new club Fulham would not release him for the competition.

The one-session was mainly shake-up and light ball work at the Zayad City Sports Complex where the 2009 and 2010 Club World Cups were held.

All the players took part in the training session. The Black Stars will train in Abu Dhabi for 11 days before departing to South Africa for the tournament.