Joseph Okumu stars for Reims in dominant win over Marseille after Harambee Stars snub

Joseph Okumu played for Reims against Marseille. Photo/Imago

Joseph Okumu stars for Reims in dominant win over Marseille after Harambee Stars snub

Mark Kinyanjui 11:15 - 30.03.2025

Joseph Okumu was on stellar form for Reims following the international break after he was mysteriously left out of the Harambee Stars squad for the recent World Cup qualifiers.

Kenyan defender Joseph Okumu delivered a commanding performance for Stade de Reims as they secured a crucial 3-1 victory over Marseille in a Ligue 1 clash on Saturday afternoon.

Okumu, who was controversially omitted from Benni McCarthy’s first Harambee Stars squad for the recent 2026 World Cup qualifiers against The Gambia and Gabon, reminded everyone of his quality with a rock-solid display.

McCarthy had explained that a “misunderstanding” between Okumu and his club led to his exclusion, hinting that Reims wanted him to stay and focus on key tactical adjustments ahead of the crucial stages of the season. Judging by his latest performance, that decision seems to have paid off for the French side.

The 26-year-old was a defensive wall for Reims, making 14 clearances, two blocks, and two interceptions—demonstrating his determination to keep Marseille at bay. While his passing accuracy stood at 73%, a dip from his usual high standards, this was a game that demanded defensive solidity rather than build-up play.

With this win, Reims ended a dismal 15-match winless run and moved five points clear of the relegation zone. Okumu’s presence was instrumental in ensuring they stood firm against a Marseille side desperate for points.

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Reims took control of the match in the 30th minute when Keito Nakamura coolly slotted home the opener after a Mamadou Diakhon assist. The provider turned scorer early in the second half, capitalizing on a lackluster Marseille defense to make it 2-0 in the 52nd minute.

With Roberto De Zerbi’s side unable to regroup, Valentin Atangana Edoa added a third goal for Reims, sealing a well-deserved victory. Valentin Rongier netted a late consolation for Marseille, but it was too little, too late, as the visitors slumped to their third consecutive league defeat.

This result also had wider ramifications in the Ligue 1 title race. Marseille remain second, 19 points behind Paris Saint-Germain, with just a two-point cushion over Monaco and Nice in the battle for European places.

PSG now have a golden opportunity to seal the title with seven games to spare.