Joseph Okumu had an impressive display for Stade de Reims who thrashed Monaco 3-1 in a Ligue 1 encounter in the absence of Kenyan prospect Eliot Matazo
Joseph Okumu was on song as Stade de Reims got the better of fellow Kenyan Eliot Matazo’s Monaco following a 3-1 in a Ligue 1 match on Saturday.
Matazo did not feature at all for Monaco as he steps up recovery from injury, but would not have done anything to prevent them from sinking at the hands of Reims, with Okumu particularly rock-solid.
Okumu made 11 clearances, underpinning his no-nonsense defensive approach to the game. He won two out of three ground duels and was imperious in the air, making three successful aerial duels.
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He stood his own in possession as well, making five accurate long balls with a general 80 percent pass accuracy.
Reims regained control just six minutes later, courtesy of Reda Khadra's goal in the 55th minute, when he became the first German player to score for the club in Ligue 1 since Franz Michelberger accomplished the feat in 1979.
In the match's dying moments, Azor Matusiwa sealed the victory for Reims with a goal in the 95th minute, securing a 3-1 win.
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Monaco's struggle against Reims at home continues, this being the eighth straight match they have not beaten them at their own backyard. Their last victory at the Stade Louis II against Reims dates back to February 21, 2014.
The defeat could prove significant for AS Monaco, despite remaining in third place on 33 points, as they could find themselves overtaken by a surging Stade Brest.
Meanwhile, on the back of the win, Reims climbed to fifth place, with 29 points, remaining in the chase for a spot in European competitions next season.
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