Muguna, Hassan fancy Harambee Stars' chances against Iran

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FOOTBALL Muguna, Hassan fancy Harambee Stars' chances against Iran

Kiplagat Sang • 10:30 - 24.03.2023

The two are confident of Kenya upsetting odds against Carlos Queiroz’s side.

Central midfielder Kenneth Muguna and wing wizard Abdalla Hassan are hopeful Harambee Stars can register a win against highly-ranked Iran.

The Middle East nation is currently ranked 24th in the world while Harambee Stars are at position 101.

However, Muguna – who plays for Azam FC in the Tanzania Mainland Premier League - and Hassan – Bandari’s key player - are confident Kenya can upset their March 28 rivals when they meet in Tehran.

"Iran is a good side, I have watched them in this World Cup and in the previous World Cup. So it is a good side and a good test for us," Muguna said.

"I hope we are ready, and we will be there to compete with them. We will respect them, but we will not fear them."

"We are going for a win, and as the coach has said, there will be aggressiveness, but it is a motivation for us because it is going to be a big game," Hassan stated.

"We will need to push ourselves."

The high-profile games for Kenya are in line with Engin Firat’s plan to build a competitive Harambee Stars team.

While urging Kenyans not to focus on results, Firat asked for patience as he builds a stronger Harambee Stars, and one way of doing that, he proposed, is to avoid low-key friendlies and face stronger opponents.

As Kenya prepare to face Iran, Firat’s decision to drop Benson Omala – who has scored 19 Football Kenya Federation Premier League goals for Gor Mahia - caused an uproar.