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Juma netted his first goal since joining the Pitso Mosimane-coached Iranian side last December
Harambee Stars striker Masoud Juma celebrated a significant milestone on Thursday evening, scoring his first goal for Esteghlal FC in the Iranian Pro League. Despite his efforts, Esteghlal were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Sepahan.
Juma, who joined Esteghlal earlier in the season, made his third appearance for the club and his first start under coach Pitso Mosimane. Previously featuring as a substitute in games against Gol Gohar and Aluminium Arak, the Kenyan striker had logged just 42 minutes on the pitch.
Seizing the opportunity, Juma opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, repaying Mosimane's faith with a decisive strike. However, the visitors equalized in the 74th minute through Mehdi Limouchi. Juma was substituted in the 71st minute for Amirali Sadeghi, and despite Sepahan being reduced to ten men in the 85th minute, Esteghlal could not find a winner.
The result leaves Esteghlal in 10th position with 18 points from 15 matches. They will next face Shams Azar Qazvin at home on Monday, January 20.
Odada impresses in short cameo during derby win
Meanwhile, in Scotland, Harambee Stars midfielder Richard Odada played a crucial role in Dundee United’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Dundee FC in the Scottish Premiership.
Odada entered the match in the 84th minute and contributed a 75% pass accuracy rate while registering one shot on target during his brief stint on the pitch. The game saw Dundee FC take the lead through a Simon Murray penalty in the 61st minute before Vicko Sevelj equalized four minutes later. Sam Dalby then completed the comeback with an 88th-minute winner for Dundee United.
The win sees Dundee United secure third place in the league standings with 34 points, 16 behind leaders Celtic. Their next challenge is a home match against Hearts of Midlothian on Sunday evening.
Ayunga fluffs lines on rare start
Jonah Ayunga also featured in the Scottish Premiership, making a rare start for St. Mirren in their 2-0 defeat to Kilmarnock.
Despite the loss, Ayunga’s performance showed promise as he won two ground duels, made one tackle, blocked a shot, and touched the ball 19 times before being substituted in the 66th minute. Bruce Anderson was the standout player of the match, netting both goals for Kilmarnock.
St. Mirren will look to bounce back when they face Celtic on Sunday.
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