Harambee Stars duo make debut in Europe

Harambee Stars defender Joseph Okumu marked his debut in the French Ligue 1 as Stade Reims suffered a 2-1 loss to Marseille at Stade Vélodrome on Saturday.

Okumu was paired with Yunis Abdelhamid in defense as they faced formidable opponents including Geoffrey Kondogbia, Iliman Ndiaye, and former Arsenal stars Matteo Guendouzi and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Okumu in defence

The match commenced with an energetic start, as both teams exhibited an eagerness to play. Marseille seized the initiative, creating the first threat with an opening pass from Ounahi to Mughe, who, fortunately for the Rémois, failed to capitalize behind the defensive line.

The Rémois’ intentions were swiftly rewarded, as Thomas Foket delivered a precise cross for a header by Marshall Munetsi. Junya Ito was perfectly positioned to volley the ball into the net, leaving Lopez helpless.

However, Marseille responded promptly to the Red and White team’s lead. Ounahi unleashed a powerful long-range shot that left Yehvann Diouf with no chance.

Later in the game, Olympic Marseille attempted a free-kick, but Yehvann Diouf’s goalkeeping was impeccable. The back-and-forth continued, with Junya Ito netting a second goal off a pass from Amir Richardson. However, this goal was eventually disallowed as the ball had gone out of play during the buildup.

Shortly thereafter, Vitinha managed to find the net, only for the goal to be disallowed once again, this time for offside. Towards the end of the first half, Lodi took a free-kick that Yehvann Diouf parried away at the near post.

As the teams returned from the halftime break, the intensity remained palpable. Vitinha attempted to redirect an offensive move with his head but missed the target.

Around the 60th minute, manager Will Still introduced a triple substitution, bringing on Keito Nakamura, Teddy Teuma, and Amine Salama. This change had an impact, as Marseille gradually gained more control over the ball, pushing the Rémois back and eventually taking the lead. Vitinha was the driving force behind the goal, expertly manoeuvring past the defense to find the back of the net.

Joseph Okumu showcased an impressive full debut performance, playing the entire match. The defender had recently joined Stade Reims from KAA Gent in a significant 1.8 billion deal.

Harambee Stars duo

In a parallel fixture, former high school teammate and Harambee Stars defender Eric Ouma displayed his skills on Saturday. Playing for AIK Football Club, Ouma contributed significantly by leveling the score after his team trailed in the 17th minute. His equalizing header, executed with finesse from a long-range delivery, left the goalkeeper well-beaten.

AIK initially took the lead in the second half, but an own goal ultimately resulted in a draw against IF Brommapojkarna in the top tier of the Swedish football league, Allsvenskan.

Adding to the roster of Kenyan Internationals, Johanna Omollo made his debut for KV Oostende just one day after his unveiling. Omollo played for 31 minutes in their 1-0 loss to Lommel.