Kenya makes a return to International football on Tuesday in the first fixture for Harambee Stars in over a year; tough test ahead as Iran are 24th in the latest FIFA rankings
The Kenya men’s football national team, the Harambee Stars arrived in Tehran on Sunday, ready for their much-awaited return to international football. Football fans in Kenya will be hopeful of a positive result or a showcase of the capabilities of the new Harambee Stars squad under head coach Engin Firat.
Former Harambee Stars striker Boniface Ambani has noted the importance of the Kenya national football team getting back to action. The former Tusker and AFC Leopards striker pointed out that the approach to the game would be crucial and how they play the game would be more important than the results.
Boniface Ambani, while speaking on Citizen TV’s Sporty Monday program said, “I can at least say that for now the national [football] team is back on the pitch which is something very positive.
For us to return to the international fold speaks volume for the lovers of the game and now we will have to expect the boys to give it their all and showcase their hunger for such an opportunity which has been elusive for a long time.”
Harambee Stars are position 101 in the latest FIFA rankings, whereas their first opponents since the ban was lifted, Iran, are 24th worldwide.
The fixture has been scheduled for 2030hrs Tehran time, which is 2000hrs in Nairobi at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran. Iran under new coach Amir Ghalenoei drew 1-1 against Russia in a friendly match in Tehran on Thursday.
Kenya’s last fixture was against Rwanda, which they won 2-1, on Monday, November 15, 2021, in the Africa 2022 Qatar World Cup Qualifiers.
Predicted Scores: Iran (3)-(1) Kenya
Iran are at home and the new coach would wish to make a positive impression especially after a 1-1 draw against Russia in his first game on Thursday last week.
Kenya Head Coach Engin Firat is also new to the job and will be looking for players that suit his system. The Iran fixture is the perfect match to get to see the style of play against a very competitive side.
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