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Okumu has returned to full training and will be available for selection when Stade Reims face Montpellier in their Ligue 1 clash on Sunday.
Harambee Stars have received a significant boost ahead of their pivotal double-header against Cameroon in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, as Stade Reims head coach Luka Elsner confirmed encouraging news about defender Joseph Okumu's recovery from injury.
Okumu, who had been sidelined with a groin injury, is now back in full training and is expected to be available for selection soon.
The towering center-back, a key figure in Reims' defense, had missed the club's last two matches, including a high-profile 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
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15:04 - 02.10.2024
Okumu, Olunga, Odada headline Harambee Stars squad for 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Cameroon
Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has announced a 28-man provisional squad for crucial AFCON qualifiers against Cameroon.
Before his injury, Okumu had played a crucial role in Reims’ solid start to the season, featuring in all three of their opening fixtures. His absence was felt, though Reims managed to hold their own, with Ivorian defenders Cedric Kipre and Emmanuel Agbadou stepping in impressively.
Elsner’s latest update will no doubt lift the spirits of Kenyan football fans. Speaking ahead of Reims' clash with Montpellier, the coach was optimistic about Okumu’s recovery: “Joseph Okumu is back in full training for the moment. The signals are green, so he probably will be available,” Elsner told the media.
Okumu’s return couldn’t come at a better time for Harambee Stars, as they prepare for two crucial AFCON qualifiers against the formidable Indomitable Lions of Cameroon. Kenya will travel to Douala for the first leg on October 11, before hosting Cameroon in Kampala three days later.
The upcoming matches are crucial, with both Kenya and Cameroon currently level on four points in their qualifying group.
The double-header is expected to define the course of the rest of their AFCON 2025 qualifying journey. Kenya head coach Engin Firat will be relying on Okumu to fortify his defense against the powerful Cameroonian attack, as the defender's presence will be essential to keeping things tight at the back.
Okumu has missed several key international fixtures due to injury, including Kenya’s World Cup qualifiers against Ivory Coast and Burundi in June and subsequent matches against Gabon and Seychelles in November 2023.
However, when fit, the Reims defender has been a mainstay in the Harambee Stars lineup. He played a vital role in Kenya's opening AFCON 2025 qualifiers, starting in both games against Zimbabwe and Namibia.
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18:55 - 04.10.2024
'They carry all blame' – Why Pamzo feels officials are at fault for postponing Shabana vs Posta Rangers clash
Shabana coach Sammy Omollo Pamzo has teared into the match officials decision to go AWOL which led to their home clash against Posta Rangers to be called off in embarrasing manner.
A pivotal moment in Kenya’s AFCON Campaign
The upcoming double-header against Cameroon will likely determine Kenya’s path to the continental showpiece in Morocco next year. A strong performance in these matches could put Harambee Stars in pole position to qualify for the AFCON finals, a tournament Kenya has not featured in since 2019.
Firat will be counting on all his key players, and Okumu’s availability provides the stability the team needs to compete against Cameroon’s attack. If Kenya can secure favorable results in the two-legged affair, they would move closer to achieving their AFCON qualification dream, a significant milestone for the nation.
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