Harambee Stars striker Masoud Juma came off the bench to make his Esteghlal debut on Monday night against Gol Gohar at the Shahr-e Qods Stadium.Celebrated South African coach Pitso Mosimane introduced Juma in the 70th minute for Gustavo Blanco as he sought late goals and a third consecutive win.However, Juma was not lucky to announce his arrival in the Persian Gulf Pro League with a goal, but will certainly be happy to have returned to competitive football after several months out.##NAJAVA_MECA_8572256##Esteghlal, who are ranked eighth on the log, will aim to return to winning ways when they play Aluminium Arak on Friday.Juma joined the side last month on a seven-month-long deal, a move that saw him secure employment after nearly five months out.The former Kariobangi Sharks man had been a free agent since parting ways with Saudi First Division One League side Al Jabalain.Masoud Juma joins Pitso Mosimane’s side in IranJuma had joined the Saudi club in July last year on a year-long deal but a serious Achilles tendon rapture in January kept him off the pitch and perhaps played a significant role in the decision not to renew his deal.The former Bandari man resumed training in October with Harambee Stars with the then-head coach Engin Firat insisting that he had invited him to the camp to boost his fitness levels.Having returned to the pitch, Juma will hope to find his scoring groove back as Stars stand to benefit from it in the remainder of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers set for next year.Update on Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma after injury scare in PolandKenya is scheduled to play away to Gambia before hosting Gabon in the March FIFA international window.Stars have five points from the four rounds played so far.
