Scriven and six in line for Harambee Stars debuts

As Kenya gears up to face Iran during the FIFA international break, six players could earn their Harambee Stars debut on Tuesday.

In his final squad, head coach Engin Firat retained a number of players who had never played for the senior team before.

Among the six in line for their national debuts, three are playing in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League.

Alpha Onyango of Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards’ Victor Omune, and KCB goalkeeper Bryne Odhiambo are the local-based stars eyeing debuts.

Alfred Scriven of IL Hodd, Daniel Anyembe of Viborg of Denmark, and Wilkims Ochieng, who plies his trade with FC Koper of Slovenia, are the foreign-based stars likely to get maiden appearances.

However, Odhiambo faces stiff competition in goal as Patrick Matasi and Ian Otieno – both of whom have played in high-profile games for Kenya under previous coaches – are his rivals.

Otieno and Matasi are expected to remain high in the pecking order given their experiences.

Meanwhile, Anyembe equally faces the tough task of edging his rivals to claim a starting berth in the Harambee Stars team.

Aboud Omar and Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma are the other fullbacks in Firat’s squad training in Tehran ahead of the March 28 friendly.

In the midfield, Omune and Onyango, although they have been outstanding so far in the league, could miss out on their debuts given the caliber of other midfielders at the disposal of Firat.

Amos Nondi – who can also operate at right-back - Richard Odada, Duke Abuya of Kenya Police, Sagan Tosu’s Teddy Akumu, Kenneth Muguna of Azam FC and Bandari’s Abdallah Hassan are the seasoned midfielders vying for starting slots.