Ghana’s build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has moved into full gear, with Head Coach Otto Addo leading the Black Stars through their first training sessions in Vienna ahead of crucial friendlies against Austria and Germany.
The squad began training in the Austrian capital last Monday, with 21 players put through their paces during Monday’s opening session at the Vienna Football Association Campus.
The exercise comes ahead of Friday’s clash with Austria at the Ernst Happel Stadium, before the team travels to Stuttgart to face Germany on March 30.
The initial one-hour session struck a balance between recovery and sharpness. Players who featured for their clubs over the weekend were taken through light recovery drills, while the rest of the squad engaged in tactical work and shooting exercises as preparations gathered momentum.
Semenyo honoured
In a moment of celebration before training got underway, forward Antoine Semenyo was given a guard of honour by teammates and staff in recognition of his Carabao Cup triumph with Manchester City, following their 2-0 win over Arsenal last Sunday.
It set the tone for a focused but upbeat camp, with a strong blend of established names and fresh faces competing for places ahead of the World Cup.
Among those involved in the opening session were goalkeepers Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Benjamin Asare and Joseph Anang, alongside defenders Derrick Köhn, Jerome Opoku, Caleb Yirenkyi, Kojo Oppong Pepprah, Jonas Adjetey and Gideon Mensah.
The quartet of debut call-ups — Derrick Luckassen, Patrick Pfeiffer, Marvin Senaya and Daniel Agyei — were also in action as they seek to impress and secure their maiden caps.
Midfielders Elisha Owusu, Ibrahim Sulemana and Kwasi Sibo joined captain Jordan Ayew, Prince Kwabena Adu, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Kamaldeen Sulemana in completing a lively opening day.
Königsdörffer for injured duo
Otto Addo had the full complement of players at training yesterday following the arrival of deputy captain Thomas Partey, Alexander Djiku and Kojo Oppong Pepprah, as well as Hamburg forward Ransford Yeboah Königsdörffer.
The 22-year-old received a late call-up after injuries ruled out Iñaki Williams and Brandon Thomas-Asante.
Königsdörffer, who has scored four goals in 26 appearances this season, now has a timely opportunity to stake his claim as Ghana fine-tune their squad for the global showpiece.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh
