Harambee Stars forward bows out of Iran with silverware
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 30.05.25. | 09:07
With his contract set to expire on June 30 and no extension reported, Juma’s departure will leave no Kenyan player in the Iranian top tier, following the earlier exit of defensive midfielder Teddy Akumu
Kenyan striker Masoud Juma brought his stint in the Persian Gulf Pro League to a triumphant close after Esteghlal FC edged Malavan FC 1-0 in the Hazfi Cup final held on Thursday night, May 29, at the Aluminium Arak Stadium.
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Juma was named in the starting XI by head coach Mojtaba Jabbari, as Esteghlal aimed not only to lift the trophy but also to cement their status as the most successful team in the tournament’s history.
The final began with high intensity but little end product. Both sides failed to break the deadlock during regular time, with the first half particularly disjointed due to persistent fouls and multiple bookings.
Juma was substituted in the 77th minute for Joel Kojo, watching the remainder of the tense match from the bench.
As penalties loomed, Iranian veteran defender Roozbeh Cheshmi latched onto a well-placed cross from Didier N’Dong, slotting home a dramatic 119th-minute winner.
At the final whistle, Esteghlal made history by lifting their eighth Hazfi Cup title, a record in the competition organized annually by the Iran Football Federation.
The victory also secured their place in the 2025/26 AFC Champions League Two.
For Juma, the win was particularly significant. It marked the first major trophy of his professional career and provided a memorable send-off to the Esteghlal faithful before his expected departure.
The 28-year-old joined Esteghlal on November 27, 2024, after spending nearly five months as a free agent. He was signed under renowned South African coach Pitso Mosimane.
Juma’s last club before joining Esteghlal was Al Jabalain FC in the Saudi First Division, which he signed for in July 2023.
His stint there was cut short by an Achilles tendon rupture in January 2024, sidelining him for months and ultimately ending his contract without renewal.
Despite that setback, Juma made 17 appearances for Esteghlal across all competitions: 11 in the Persian Gulf Pro League, four in the Hazfi Cup, and two in the AFC Champions League Elite. He scored three goals in 766 minutes of play.
With his contract set to expire on June 30 and no extension reported, Juma’s departure will leave no Kenyan player in the Iranian top tier, following the earlier exit of defensive midfielder Teddy Akumu.
