The first goal attempt of the match held at Tehran's Azadi stadium Saturday afternoon, was created for Kenya by the gifted Germinal Beerschot Mugabe, who got past Iran's skipper, Hossein Kaebi, only to hammer the ball over the bar in the 12th minute.
After the early shock, Ali Daei's men took possession and began to create chances. In the 17th minute, Hassan Ashajari's cross was met by Kenyan goalkeeper Ayuko's miscalculation to reach Rezaei in front of the goal. His shot, however, was blocked by defenders.
Five minutes later, Khalatbari's excellent volley put Rezaei one on one with Ayuko, but the striker's chip was slightly high and landed on top of the net.
Twenty-four minutes into the game, Iran missed an excellent opportunity when Rezaei's ball found debutant Ahmad Jamshidian very close to the goal. Nevertheless, Jamshidian's finishing touch was unconvincing when he scraped the ball past the long post.
Five minutes later, Owino easily got rid of Ashjari on Iran's left defensive side, and unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the area. Rahmati, however, managed to tip the ball away.
Iran could only break the deadlock in the second half, when a penalty was awarded to the Iranian side after Rafkhaei went down in the 18-yard box, while one-on-one with Ayuko. Hossein Kazemi converted the penalty in the 55th minute, to become the sole scorer of the game.
In the minutes after the goal, Kenya barely took any risks to go for an equalizer and the match ended with Iran downing Kenya 1-0.
Iran will face Kuwait in another friendly match in Kuwait City on March 23 before taking on Saudi Arabia in Tehran in a crucial World Cup qualifier on March 28.
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