Michael Essien trained with the Black Stars in their first training session on Monday despite the death of his father. The Chelsea ace arrived on Sunday night to the unfortunate news of his dad’s passing ahead of Ghana’s deciding World Cup qualifier against Zambia on Friday. The 30-year-old however participated in the light session of the team’s opening training at the Accra Sports Stadium. All 13 players that have arrived for the match trained on Monday. The team will continue with their preparations for Friday’s match on Tuesday morning where coach Akwasi Appiah will be looking to work with the full compliment of his squad. Players at Monday’s training: Fatau Dauda, Razak Braimah, Harrison Afful, Rashid Sumaila, Jonathan Mensah, Awal Mohammed, Kwadwo Asamoah, Rabiu Mohammed, Mubarak Wakaso, Christian Atsu, Albert Adomah, Michael Essien, Asamoah Gyan and Mahatma Otoo.