Pitso Mosimane had led Esteghlal to the last-16 of the Hazfi Cup after a 1-0 win over Mes Kerman on Thursday afternoon.
Mosimane was appointed as head coach in October and after an indifferent start, the ship is beginning to be steadied with five games unbeaten in all competitions.
The three defeats against Kheybar FC, Tractor and then Al Hilal in the AFC Champions League was a rude awakening to the realities of his new challenge in Iran.
But since then Mes Rafsanjan and Foolad in the league, and secured draws in the Asian continental competiton against Pakhtakor and his former club Al Ahli Jeddah.
The latest scalp came on Thursday against Kerman with Argentine striker Gustavo Blanco Leschuk, formerly of Eibar scoring the winner in the 49th minute of the game.
They will now await the draw on the round of 16 in the Iranian domestic cup competiton
