Accra, Jan. 27, GNA - A 40-man squad of the local component of the Black Stars has begun camping as part of preparations for maiden edition of the African Nation Championship (CHAN).

The Stars have been drawn in Group B alongside DR Congo, Libya and Zimbabwe for the February 22-March 8 tourney slated for Cote d'Ivoire. Stars coach Milovan Rajevac told GNA Sports that preparation for the three-week tourney has been classified into two phases. Phase One, which deals with the assessment and conditioning of the players, takes place from January 27 to February 4.

The Serbian trainer explained that the squad will be trimmed for the February 11 friendly against the Pharaohs of Egypt.

He said the final phase would commence immediately after the Week 10 matches of the Glo Premier League to fine-tune their preparation for the competition reserved exclusively for local-based footballers. Milovan is considering an international friendly with a neighbouring country to gain some experience and sharpen the rough edges of the team.

The Stars open their campaign against Zimbabwe on February on February 23 in Bouake, face Libya three days later before wrapping-up against DR Congo on March 1.

Below is the squad list:

Goalkeepers: Philemon McCarthy, Osei Boateng, Ernest Sowah, Dan Adjei

Central Defenders: Ofosu Appiah, Godfred Yeboah, Kofi Agyare, Osei Bonsu, Isaac Owusu, Hannan Giywah

Defensive Midfielders: Daniel Yeboah, Kofi Abanga, Aygeman Badu, Francis Mantey.

Offensive Midfielders: Jordan Opuku, Edmund Owusu Ansah, Frank Boateng, Sam Ayew.

Right-backs: Samuel Inkom, Emmanuel Asong, Harrison Afful

Left-backs: Habib Mohammed, Samuel Enzimaba, Richard Annan

Creative Midfielders: Ekow Benson, Sammed Oppong, Issah Saliu, Richard Mpong,

Support-strikers: Francis Coffi, Ghandi Kasenu, Ebo Andoh

Strikers: Yaw Antwi, Alex Asamoah, Kojo Poku, Richard Atiga, Latif Salifu, Samuel Affum, Eric Gawu, Owusu Ampomah, Charles Taylor