Harambee Stars style of play, possession and confidence in tomorrow's international friendly match against Iran in Tehran will be key, ex-international striker Boniface Ambani has said.

According to the former AFC Leopards and Tusker forward, the Engin Firat coached team have been in the cold for a long time and the point of reference against Iran should be how they play the game, and not the results.

"We have been out in the cold for a very long time and so the results [that will matter against Iran].

According to Ambani, how the Stars approach the game, the quality they showcase, will be a collective point of reference and analysis, but want the Firat men to show the respect for the badge and give it their all

"I can at least say that for now the national [football] team is back on the pitch which is something very positive.

For us to return to the international fold speaks volume for the lovers of the game and now we will have to expect the boys to give it their all and showcase their hunger for such an opportunity which has been elusive for a long time," Ambani said on local TV’s Sporty Monday programme where he was a guest analyst Monday.

Iran are ranked 24th in the latest FIFA rankings hence have a huge advantage heading into Tuesday’s fixture in Tehran. The Stars, on the other hand, are placed at position 101.

"If you want to compete with the best, you have to play with them and Iran are ranked 24th in the world while we are 101 and this friendly match is very good and positive for the boys,” added Ambani.

It will be the first time Kenya are playing an international match after being out for more than a year in the cold thanks to the FIFA suspension slapped on Kenyan football owing to government interference.