Iran defeated Kenya 2-1 in a friendly international game in Tehran thanks to a goalkeeping error by Patrick Matasi six minutes from time. Ramin Razaeian scored a goal from close range to give Iran the victory.


Following Michael Olunga's second-half goal for the Stars, Iran tied the score with Mohammad Mohebi's header from a Razaeian free kick in the 76th minute.

Stars had established a strong presence early in the game, playing tightly behind the ball to slow Iran's brisk pace.

After ten minutes, Shahriyar Moghanlou picked up the ball from a distance and attempted to score for the home team, but his effort exceeded the crossbar.

On the other end, Stars had two good chances. First, Olunga missed a long-range shot, and then, following some outstanding work from Amos Nondi, who then whipped in a cross from the right, Masud Juma kneeled the ball straight to the goalkeeper.

Olunga picked up the ball from midfield, spun away from his defender, and ran to the edge of the six-yard box before shooting low and to the right of the goalpost six minutes into the second half.


After giving up, the home team gained momentum and came close around the hour mark when Mohebi shot from a tight angle, but Matasi saved it, and Aref Aghasi curled the ball over.

Joseph Okumu made an outstanding block in the 70th minute to stop Mehdi Taremi from scoring from close range.

Yet with Matasi off his line, Mohebi headed in a free kick from Razaeian to give the home team a point 14 minutes from time.


Six minutes later, the new Kenya Police FC shot-stopper made a mistake he'll never forget when he allowed the ball to squirm under his arms during a Razaeian shot from a tight angle.