Masud Juma Strikes as Esteghlal FC March into Hazfi Cup Final

Harambee Stars forward Masud Juma was on the scoresheet as Iranian giants Esteghlal FC booked their place in the Hazfi Cup final with a 2-0 victory over Sanat Naft Abadan F.C. at the iconic Azadi Stadium in Tehran.

The Kenyan international, who was named in the starting lineup, sealed the win with a well-taken header from a corner kick in the 57th minute, after teammate Ali Reza Kooshki had opened the scoring just before halftime in the 44th minute. The result sends Esteghlal into the much-anticipated final, where they will face Malavan F.C. on Thursday, June 8, 2025, at The Imam Khomeini Stadium in Arak, Markazi Province.

Juma’s goal comes at a crucial time, both for the club and for the striker personally. After a rocky start to life in Iran—marred by injuries and inconsistent form—the former Kariobangi Sharks and Cape Town City striker appears to have rediscovered his rhythm under the stewardship of new interim coach Mojtaba Jabbari. Since Jabbari’s appointment, Juma has started four consecutive matches, netting twice to bring his total tally for Esteghlal to three goals since joining mid-season.

The resurgence couldn’t have come at a better moment. Rumours had swirled around a potential exit for the Kenyan striker after failing to settle in earlier in the campaign. However, his recent performances have sparked renewed confidence in his potential, and club insiders suggest Esteghlal may now consider extending his contract.

Esteghlal’s campaign has been anything but smooth. The club endured a turbulent season in the Persian Gulf Pro League, finishing in 9th place amidst a backdrop of managerial instability. The season began under the high-profile leadership of South African coach Pitso Mosimane, whose tenure ended prematurely. Serbian tactician Miodrag Božović then took over but was sacked following a series of disappointing results. The reins were eventually handed to former Iranian international Mojtaba Jabbari, who has managed to stabilize the team and reignite hope with a spirited run in the cup competition.

For Masud Juma, this turnaround marks a personal milestone. The striker had a frustrating start, scoring just once against Sepahan and missing several crucial matches due to injury, including both legs of the AFC Champions League tie against Al-Nasr and key league clashes with Persepolis, Tractor, Foolad, and Golgohar.

Now fully fit and firing, Juma has become a key figure in Jabbari’s plans as Esteghlal aim to salvage their season with silverware. A victory in the Hazfi Cup final would not only mark a triumphant end to a challenging campaign but could also secure continental qualification for next season.

The final showdown against Malavan F.C. promises to be an intense affair, and all eyes will be on Masud Juma as he looks to continue his resurgence and help deliver Esteghlal’s first major trophy since 2022.