Joseph Okumu’s Reims end Japan tour with 2-1 win over Gamba Osaka
By Luke Oluoch, August 2, 2025Joseph Okumu and his French club, Stade Reims, sealed their preseason tour in Japan with a 2-1 victory over Gamba Osaka on Saturday, August 2, 2025.
The trip in Asia formed part of the team’s preparation ahead of their commitment in the French Ligue 2 following their demotion from the country’s top tier after losing the promotion playoff to
The Kenyan international was among the players who featured for the clash as starters, joining the team’s mainstays who committed to the Reds following the relegation disappointment at the end of the 2024/25 season.
Despite making a poor start by conceding in the first minute against the J-League side, Reims mounted a spirited fight to edge the team comprising notable stars like Senegalese Képrine Diatta.
Malta international midfielder Teddy Teuma delivered a standout performance, scoring the match winner after Zabi had restored parity for Karel Geraerts’ men.
The midfielder scored the winner with a brilliant strike from distance midway through the second half.
Kenyan international, Okumu, returned to the club for the new season after speculation of a possible away move from the six-time league champions and has been a regular member as the team gears up for life in Ligue 2 in the new season.
Okumu in the Reims preseason
The towering defender was on target for the club in the final stages of their preparations in France before jetting out for the Japan tour.
In the preseason tie on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, Okumu bagged the all-important goal as Reims pitted wits against Boulogne SC.
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.
With the preseason concluded, the Ligue 2 campaign begins for Stade Reims on Monday, August 11, when they face Amiens SC in their opening fixture.
The team will be without two of its standout performers for the Ligue 2 campaign after they secured moves away from the team.
Moves
Defender 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.