The Black Stars arrived in Abu Dhabi on Saturday morning to begin their training camp ahead of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

Twenty three players were in camp by the Saturday morning deadline set by coach Kwesi Appiah.

Captain Asamoah Gyan and midfielder Andre Ayew were the only absentees.

Goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey, Albert Adomah, Christian Atsu, John Boye and Derek Boateng joined the squad in the morning from different locations in Europe.

The rest of the players traveled with the entire delegation from Accra to prepare for this month's flagship African football competition.

Gyan sought permission from the coach to arrive later in the evening as he held a family meeting to plan for his mother's funeral.

Ayew was unable to join the camp by the set deadline because of the hamstring injury he had while training with his club, Marseille.

The Black Stars will train in Abu Dhabi for 11 days before departing to South Africa for the tournament.

They will also play two friendly matches against Egypt and Tunisia during their stay in the UAE.

Ghana will play DR Congo, Mali and Niger ahead in Group B of the tournament in South Africa.