Kenyan defender Joseph Okumu scored the match winner as Stade Reims extended their preseason form with a win over Boulogne SC on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.

Okumu scored from close range as the first half wore on to hand Reims the win over the new Ligue Two entrants.

The clash pitted Boulogne, fresh from their promotion to the French second tier, against Reims, who got relegated to the division at the end of the season.

The Kenyan featured for the first half as coach Karel Geraerts made wholesale changes for the second half. He named an entirely new team for a thorough assessment of his charges.

In the clash, the visitors came close through Tidiane Diarrassouba, who had a shot down the middle with his left foot going narrowly wide.

The host broke the deadlock from a corner taken by Teddy Teuma, which the Kenyan expertly turned home in the 42nd minute.

Okumu’s appearance for the preseason might as well go down as an indication of his continued stay with the six-time French league champions, who are now angling for life in Ligue 2.

Already, two of its standout performers in the season that ended in the disappointment of relegation have left the outfit.

Moves

Cedric Kipre left the club for Championship side West Bromwich Albion, while custodian and skipper Yehven Diouf switched to a top-league rival in the French league.

Reims will next play two additional friendlies on Sunday, July 20, 2025.

The first clash they will face off against Belgian side OH Leuven before concluding with a final test match against FC 93 Bobigny.