TEHRAN - The Iranian football season is set to reach its climax with the exciting Hazfi Cup final between Sepahan and Mes, taking place on Thursday at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran. This high-stakes match will feature the use of VAR technology, ensuring fair and precise decision-making.

*Sepahan's quest to end title drought

Sepahan, clad in their signature gold jerseys, will enter the match eager to end their nine-year trophy drought. The last time they tasted championship glory was in the Persian Gulf Pro League nine years ago. Their last Hazfi Cup triumph dates back even further, to 11 years ago, when they defeated Persepolis to claim the coveted trophy.

*Coach Morais' chance for redemption

For Sepahan's head coach, Portuguese tactician Jose Morais, this match represents a golden opportunity to redeem himself. Despite his hefty price tag, Morais has yet to deliver a trophy to the passionate Sepahan fans during his two seasons at the helm. The Hazfi Cup provides him with the perfect platform to etch his name in Sepahan's history.

*Mes Rafsanjan's underdog story

Mes Rafsanjan, despite facing numerous challenges throughout the season, have defied the odds to reach their first-ever Hazfi Cup final. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the team's resilience and determination.

Adding a layer of intrigue to the clash is the presence of Mes Rafsanjan's head coach, Moharram Navidkia. A former Sepahan captain and legend, Navidkia will find himself in the unfamiliar position of facing his former team in the pursuit of glory.

*AFC Champions League Elite implications

The Hazfi Cup winners will not only be crowned the champions of Iranian knockout football but will also secure Iran's third spot in the 2024/25 AFC Elite League. The road to continental glory will begin on Aug. 6, 2024, when the champions face UAE's Shabab Al Ahli in the Preliminary Round 2. The winners of this encounter will then take on Qatar's Al Gharafa in the Preliminary Round 3 on Aug. 13, 2024. The winners of this clash will join the 11 other teams in the AFC Elite League group stage. The losers of these two matches will drop down to the AFC Champions League Two.

The stage is set for an enthralling Hazfi Cup final, with both Sepahan and Mes harboring dreams of lifting the coveted trophy. The introduction of VAR technology promises to add an extra layer of excitement and fairness to the match.