Harambee Stars marked return to international football after more than a year out with a 2-1 defeat to Iran at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran.Stars, had a nervy start but quickly arrested the situation and dominated the first half.However, the host, clawed back and fired two goals in quick succession to dim the Stars.Victor Omune, Alfred Scriven and Daniel Anyembe made their debut in the game. Here are the player ratings.Patrick Matasi 3He was the best player on the pitch in the opening twenty minutes or so of the game. Demonstrated maturity and commanded his territory well in the first half.##NAJAVA_MECA_7134672##He was however at fault for Iran’s second goal as he casually let the ball slip through his hands.Before the comical goalkeeping error, Matasi was shaky and consequently, invited pressure in the area.Would have also done better in the equalizer as he was caught in no man’s land. Had his name taken by the referee too.Amos Nondi 6Once again, his versatility came in handy as he was tasked with the right back roles.This was the third time the Gor Mahia Youth product was playing as a right while in the national team colours.Olunga strikes on 8-year anniversary but two errors cost Harambee Stars in IranNondi, a natural defensive midfielder must be proud of his performance in the defence as he kept his marker quiet throughout.When he was not in the backline, he was delivering corner kicks before the roles were assumed by Kenneth Muguna in the second half.Erick Ouma 5Many expected that he will make his usual terrific runs on the wing and try to whip in some crosses but that was not the case.He had a fairly decent game even though, he conceded the foul that bore the Equalizer for Iran.Brian Mandela 6Helped contain pressure in the Stars’ area in the opening minutes of the game. He made several clearances early in the game and nearly grabbed the equalizer for Stars in the dying minutes of the game.His positional awareness was also good.Joseph Okumu 7The KAA Gent defender looked calm even when under pressure. He had a good chemistry between him and Onyango.Collins Sichenje linked with loan move to FinlandMade a couple of last-ditch tackles and interceptions.Richard Odada 5He shielded the defence well and never shied from putting his legs on the line in order to win possession. He took a while before settling and when he did, he executed his roles calmly.Anthony Akumu 5Akumu was literally all over the pitch. Much as he made some poor passes and at some point, struggled to progress the ball, his overall contribution was good.Victor Omune 4He was a surprise inclusion in the starting team.Omala puts Harambee Stars heartbreak behind, vows to hit new highs at GorLooked off coloour in the minutes he lasted on the pitch. The Leopards man was tightly marked and therefore, found it tough to poke holes in the left side of the defence.He was withdrawn in the 72nd minute for Daniel Sakari.Duke Abuya 4He was tasked to deliver the ammunition to Masud and Olunga but struggled to settle into the game. He pressed well and covered every corner of the pitch in the first half. He was replaced before restart by Kenneth Muguna.The Kenya Police man would have redeemed himself with a goal from a clear-cut chance that fell his way in the first half.Masud Juma 6AFCON2023Q: African champions book their tickets for the next tournamentGrabbed the assist and posed threat in the final third. The twin strike approach where he partnered Olunga upfront kept the Iranian defence busy. He was a target by the rear men as was fouled on a number of occasions.Michael Olunga 7When goals were needed, he popped up with one. The skipper would have helped create more especially in the first half as he got some chances but went for individual glory.
