Harambee Stars defender Joseph Okumu scored his first Ligue 1 goal on Saturday night marking a pivotal moment in Reims' intense draw against Olympique Lyonnais.
Kenya international Joseph Okumu was on target, scoring his first Ligue 1 goal, as Stade de Reims were held to a gripping 1-1 draw by Olympique Lyonnais on a chilly Saturday night at the Groupama Stadium.
The fixture, marked by its intensity and a tale of two halves, saw Okumu etching his name into the scoresheet, marking a significant milestone since his summer move to the French top-flight from KAA Gent.
19:56 - 30.03.2024
STARS ABROAD Harambee Stars prospect Wilson Waweru opens up on life playing in Irish top flight
Waweru’s parents are both Kenyan but the youngster was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland.
In what unfolded as a tactical chess match between the two sides, the first half of the game was characterized by cautious play, with neither team able to break the deadlock.
Lyon, despite their dominance in possession and having eight shots, failed to find the target in the first 45 minutes.
Reims, on the other hand, managed a solitary shot on goal from their four attempts, hinting at a more conservative approach away from home.
17:38 - 30.03.2024
STARS ABROAD Revealed: Why Vincent Harper missed recent Harambee Stars Four Nations Tournament squad
Harper has not played a game of football since the begining of March, with his club now giving an update as to why he has not played.
The narrative took a dramatic turn in the second half when Okumu, towering in defense,ventured forward and found the back of the net in the 55th minute, sending the visiting fans into raptures.
The Kenyan defender's goal broke the stalemate giving Reims a precious lead. However, their joy was short-lived as Lyon's bench provided the spark needed to draw level.
Substitute Ernest Nuamah, replacing Rayan Cherki, emerged as the catalyst, scoring the equalizer in the 65th minute, setting up a tense finish to the match.
As the game opened up, both teams increased their offensive forays, with Lyon and Reims registering eight and thirteen shots respectively in the second half.
The goalkeepers, Anthony Lopes of Lyon and Yehvann Diouf of Reims, became increasingly pivotal, pulling off crucial saves to keep the scoreline even.
18:03 - 30.03.2024
Chelsea vs Burnley: Frustration for Poch as 10-man Clarets deny dazzling Palmer in Stamford Bridge thriller
Chelsea continued their inconsistent season, squandering a lead twice to draw 2-2 against Burnley at Stamford Bridge.
The draw, however, does little to alter the ambitions of both clubs. Reims, under the guidance of Will Still, finds itself in a precarious position in its quest for European football next season, trailing fifth-place OGC Nice by four points.
Lyon, nestled comfortably in mid-table, edges further away from relegation worries but continues to seek consistency in their performances.
Follow us on X (Twitter) for more updates.