Ghana FA set to punish Essien, Muntari and Gwan

The Ghana Football Association has vowed to take action against Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari and Asamoah Gyan after they failed to report for the friendly match against Angola on Wednesday.

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Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari in action for Ghana

The trio, who play for Chelsea, Inter Milan and Rennes respectively, played for Ghana in the country's 2-2 draw with Mali in their final World Cup qualifying match on Sunday. Ghana, who had already qualified for next summer's event, lined up a friendly three days later as boss Milovan Rajevac continues to prepare for South Africa.

However, it is believed that Essien, Muntari and Gyan all returned to Europe ahead of the friendly and, with the authorities confirming the players went AWOL, they are now set to face disciplinary action.

The GFA statement read: "The FA will take action after concluding investigations following players to secure the consent of head coach Milovan Rajevac.

"In accordance with prescribed FIFA regulations for the release of players for national team matches, the FA wrote to and secured the release of 20 players to honour the World Cup qualifying match against Mali on November 15 and the international friendly against Angola on November 18.

"Unfortunately, three players, namely Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari and Asamoah Gyan, did not travel with the team to Angola on Monday night for the Angola friendly. The players stayed out without the permission of the head coach, Mr Milovan Rajevac. The FA views this act with great concern and will investigate the matter further to inform its next course of action."