Kenya will return to international action with a game against lowly-ranked Pakistan in the Mauritius Four-Nation Tournament at the Cóte d’Or National Complex, Saint-Pierre, on Wednesday afternoon. The game will kick off at 1400 HRS Kenyan time.The Harambee Stars ought to have opened their campaign with a fixture against Djibouti on Sunday, but a logistical hitch saw them travel late to the island nation due to the unavailability of flights, hence missing the match.##NAJAVA_MECA_7318417##Stars, who are preparing for future assignments as they are out of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Ivory Coast 2023 qualifiers, were last active in March when they lost 2-1 to Iran in a high-profile friendly played in Tehran.Against Pakistan, Kenya will be up against a lowly ranked nation (195) by FIFA, 93 places below them, best known for their cricket prowess.On May 9, 1978, the two sides met in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with Kenya thumping them 8-0 in one of their worst defeats in history.While vouching for the tournament, despite the poor-quality sides featuring, Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat told the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) website that it would give him an opportunity to monitor a range of players.”This tournament offers us diversity in the opponents we shall face, especially at a time when most African nations are engaged in AFCON qualifiers. Playing three matches gives me an opportunity to give more players a chance to show what they can offer,” the Turk said.Match DayHarambee Stars vs PakistanVenue: Venue National Sports Complex Pitch 1 (Mauritius)Kick off time: 2PM EAT#HarambeeStars pic.twitter.com/hjLP43Pp2K— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) June 14, 2023 A number of home-based players made the trip to Mauritius, including Gor Mahia striker Benson Omala, the leading FKF Premier League top scorer, and KCB FC goalkeeper Bryne Odhiambo.Also in the mix is skipper Michael Olunga, who plays for Al Duhail SC in Qatar.Pakistan lost their opener 3-0 to Mauritius on Sunday and will be hoping for an improved show against Kenya.In their lineup is Aston Villa academy graduate and former England U20 defender Essah Suliman, who has opted to feature for the Pakistani Falcons and will be making his debut against Kenya.Harambee Stars duo link up with team in Mauritius ahead of Pakistan duel
