Stars arrive for Asian test

The senior national side, the Black Stars have arrived in Yokohama for Wednesday?s international friendly against Japan.

Ghana?s nineteen-man squad with officials departed London on Sunday for the 13-hour flight to Japan.

The game would be the first for Frenchman, Claude Le Roy who was appointed Black Stars this month.

Ghana host of the 2008 African Cup of Nations would use Wednesday?s friendly to fine tune preparations for the tournament.

Ghana by virtue of being the host nation would not be taking part in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

After playing Japan on Wednesday, the Black Stars would take on South Korea on Sunday in Seoul.

For both Asian sides, the game against Ghana forms part of their build up for their Asian Cup qualifiers.

Ghana?s game against Japan would be first between both nations at senior level while the match with South Korea would be the second.

The Black Stars beat the Koreans 3-1 in a pre-World Cup friendly in London.

The Football Association last week named a nineteen-man squad for the two international friendlies against the Asian sides.

English duo, Derek Asamoah of Shrewsbury and Nottingham Forest attacker, Junior Agogo were handed call ups.

Both players featured in some games for the Black Stars in their build up to the World Cup in Germany.

John Mensah returns to the squad after injury ruled him out the Black Stars? last friendly.

Also returning to the squad is VFL Wolfsburg defender, Hans Adu Sarpie.

Ghana won her last international friendly, beating fellow World Cup participants, Togo 2-0 in their first post World Cup game in London two months ago.

Ghana squad:

Goalkeepers: Sammy Adjei (Mohadon Sports Ashdod, Israel), Richard Kingson (BB Ankaraspor, Turkey)

Defenders: Hans Adu Sarpie (VFL Wolfsburg, Germany), Issa Ahmed (Randers, Denmark), Francis Dickoh (FC Utrecht, Holland), Dan Quaye (Hearts of Oak,Ghana), Habib Mohammed (Molde FK, Norway), Shilla Illiasu (Saturn FC, Russia) and John Mensah (Rennes, France)

Midfielders: Stephen Appiah (Fenerbache, Turkey), Michael Essien (Chelsea, England), Laryea Kingson (Locomitiv Moscow, Russia) Sulley Ali Muntari (Udinese, Italy), Haminu Dramani (Genclerbirligi, Turkey), Eric Addo (PSV Eindhoven, Holland)

Forwards: Junior Agogo (Nottingham Forest, England), Razak Pimpong (FC Copenhagen, Denmark) and Asamoah Gyan (Udinese, Italy) and Derek Asamoah (Shrewsbury, England).