AFC Leopards forward Cliff Nyakeya is hopeful that Harambee Stars will shine against hosts Iran when they clash in the city of Tehran at the Azadi Stadium Tuesday night.

Inform Nyakeya missed out on the head coach Engin Firat's squad but he has joined Kenyans to wish the team well, acknowledging there is no permanent place for any player in the national team.

Nyakeya, who earned his debut in the national team when former head coach Francis Kimanzi was at the helm, also understands his omission from the team.

"The only thing we can do is to wish the team all the best because they are representing the entire country. We have to be real patriots, any time Kenya is paying is a big day for every football lover. National team is for all Kenyans, one might feel disappointed not to be called up, but we have to respect the decisions of the coach, support those who are in the team and hope they will do well," said Nyakeya.

The former Wazito FC striker acknowledged that the competition for the national team is extremely stiff, and beyond working hard, a player has to have all stars aligned on him to shine in the Stars squad.

"It is the dream of every player to be called up to the national team but at the same time we cannot all be called. To play for the national team is a great honour to every player and once you are called you go and play your part," added Nyakeya.

The match which kicks-off at 8pm EAT will be Kenya's first in more than a year after staying in the cold thanks to a FIFA suspension, following government interference in the FKF operations.

Captain Michael 'Engineer' Olunga, experienced defenders Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma and Joseph Stanley Okumu are some of the players primed for the starting 11.

A win for Harambee Stars (101) will see them improve their FIFA ranking for next month since Iran are 24th in the world, and were among the teams that entertained fans in the Qatar 2022 World Cup.