Kenya’s Masoud Juma brought the curtain down on his stint in Iranian football in memorable fashion, helping Esteghlal FC lift the 2025 Hazfi Cup with a tense 1-0 victory over Malavan FC on Thursday, May 29, at Arak’s Aluminium Stadium.
The Hazfi Cup, Iran’s annual knockout football competition run by the country’s football federation, is one of the most prestigious domestic tournaments — and Esteghlal further cemented their legendary status by securing their record-extending eighth title.
The final itself was a tense, hard-fought affair with both sides struggling to find clear chances. Persistent fouls and bookings disrupted the flow, and the match remained goalless through the 90 minutes of regular time. Juma, who had been named in the starting lineup by head coach Mojtaba Jabbari, was substituted in the 77th minute for Joel Kojo as the game edged toward extra time.
With penalty kicks looming, the breakthrough finally arrived in the dying moments. Esteghlal veteran Roozbeh Cheshmi rose to the occasion, slotting home a dramatic winner in the 119th minute after latching onto a superb cross from Didier N’Dong. The goal sent Esteghlal’s bench and supporters into wild celebration as they claimed yet another Hazfi Cup crown.
For Masoud Juma, the night held extra significance. Not only did it mark his first major club trophy, but it also served as a fitting send-off before his expected exit at the end of June. The 28-year-old striker, who signed for Esteghlal in November 2024 under former coach Pitso Mosimane, had arrived after a challenging period recovering from an Achilles tendon rupture while at Saudi club Al Jabalain FC.
Despite limited playing time, Juma managed 17 appearances for Esteghlal across the Persian Gulf Pro League, Hazfi Cup, and AFC Champions League Elite, netting three goals in 766 minutes of football.
With his contract set to expire on June 30 and no renewal on the table, the Hazfi Cup victory closes a meaningful chapter for the striker, who will now weigh up his next move. His departure will also mean no Kenyan players remain in the Iranian top flight, following Teddy Akumu’s earlier exit.
