Harambee Stars striker Masud Juma enjoyed a proud moment on Thursday evening, May 29, 2025, as his team, Esteghlal FC, won the 2024/25 Hazfi Cup in Iran. Esteghlal beat Malavan FC 1-0 in the final, held at Arak’s Imam Khomeini Stadium.

The only goal of the match came in the 119th minute of extra time. Roozbeh Cheshmi scored after receiving an assist from Didier Ndong. The late winner sparked celebrations among Esteghlal’s fans, as the team secured their eighth Hazfi Cup title.

Juma, who started the match, played an important role throughout the tournament. The 29-year-old Kenyan forward joined Esteghlal in November 2024 on a six-month contract. He scored a key goal in the semi-final against Sanat Naft, helping the team reach the final with a 2-0 win.

Juma’s journey from injury to cup glory

Juma spent nearly a year recovering from an Achilles injury and was without a club for five months after leaving Saudi Arabian side Al-Jabalain in July 2024.
This was Jabbari’s first major trophy as a manager.

“Tehran Blues beat Malavan with a last-minute goal by Rouzbeh Cheshmi in the 119th minute. It’s the first trophy for Mojtaba Jabbari as head coach. Respect to Malavan and their loyal fans,” TeamMelli posted on their X account yesterday.

Cheshmi, who once scored for Iran in the 2022 World Cup against Wales, delivered again with a clutch goal in extra time. This victory gave Esteghlal the Hazfi Cup and also secured them a place in the next season’s AFC Champions League Two.

Juma has played in Kenya, the United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and now Iran. His contract is set to end on 30th June 2025.

Born and raised in Isiolo, Juma’s football journey began at Tumaini Primary School. He later led Isiolo Barracks Secondary School to victory at the Coca-Cola/AFCO Inter-military Schools Championship, where he was named tournament MVP with five goals. During this period, he played for Isiolo Youth FC, competing in Kenya’s fifth-tier County Champions League.

His professional rise began when he was spotted during a national talent search and signed by Shabana FC in 2014.