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The Harambee Stars defender has been linked with a move to Serie A giants AS Roma but is part of the Reims set-up for their pre-season tour in Japan.
Kenyan international Joseph Okumu featured for 63 minutes as his club Stade de Reims played to a 1-1 stalemate against Jubilo Iwata at Yamaha Stadium on Wednesday. Shunsuke Nishikubo scored for Iwata, while Oumar Diakite netted for Reims.
This was Okumu's second game after playing 90 minutes in their second preseason match against Sochaux five days ago. The match is part of the French club's tour in Japan, where they are set to play three games, including matches against Shimizu and Machida Zelvia.
Okumu featured despite recently being linked with a move to Serie A outfit AS Roma, who held talks over a potential move to Italy in a move worth 15 million pounds.
From the onset, Reims took control, exerting pressure on their hosts but were unlucky not to score in the opening half. Both sides managed to withstand the first half's intensity, leading to a barren draw at halftime.
Reims started the second half with two substitutions, sparking some life into the visitors. Iwata responded ten minutes later with five changes, and Reims answered back with seven fresh players with 60 minutes on the clock. Okumu made way for youngster Martin Adeline as part of these changes.
With Reims' backline now manned by junior players, Iwata took advantage and soon took the lead through Nishikubo in the 67th minute. Despite more changes from the Japanese side, Iwata's defense remained solid and compact, with their goalkeeper largely untested thanks to disciplined defending.
The drama continued until the final moments when Diakite scored to grab a point for Reims. Reims will next take to the field on Saturday against Shimizu and will finalize their Japan tour next week with a clash against Machida Zelvia.
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18:01 - 24.07.2024
Kenyan coach earns nomination for prestigious Tanzanian Premier League coach of the year award
Kenyan players have missed out on Tanzanian Premier League awards nominations but the former Harambee Starlets and Sofapaka coach is shortlisted for coach of the Season.
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