Joseph Okumu’s Reims relegated after playoff heartbreak against Metz

Harambee Stars defender Joseph Okumu and his French club, Stade de Reims, have been relegated from Ligue 1 following a 3-1 home defeat (4-1 on aggregate) to FC Metz in the relegation-promotion playoff on Thursday, May 29.

Reims, who finished 16th in the 18-team Ligue 1, were condemned to the playoffs against Metz, who had fought their way through the Ligue 2 postseason.

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The result marked the end of a frustrating campaign for the Champagne club, which failed to maintain top-flight status after seven years, despite having a promising squad.

The first leg had ended in a 1-1 draw in Metz, setting up a decisive second leg at a sold-out Stade Auguste-Delaune, where Okumu started in central defense.

Reims opened the scoring in the 57th minute through Martial Tia, who fired home after a deflected pass in the box. But Metz captain Matthieu Udol equalized with a stunning strike in the 78th minute, sending the match to extra time.

There, Gauthier Hein took control, first assisting Alpha Touré with a clever backheel and then sealing the win with a long-range chip over an advanced Yehvann Diouf to hand Metz a historic victory.

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Following the defeat, the club issued a heartfelt statement:

“After 7 consecutive seasons in the top flight of French football, Stade de Reims will play in Ligue 2 BKT next season.

The disappointment is great, the pain immense, and the setback very real. From these feelings and the lessons learned from this failure must emerge an infinite source of energy to get back on our feet without delay.

People of Reims, we extend a thank you as sincere as your loyalty. This unwavering support throughout the season deserves Ligue 1: we will return for you.”

Okumu, who joined Reims in July 2023, featured prominently this season in France.

The Kenyan international made 28 appearances in all competitions: 22 in Ligue 1, four in the Coupe de France, and two in the playoffs, totaling 2,198 minutes.

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He scored one goal and received four yellow cards and a red card.

With relegation now confirmed, the spotlight shifts to Okumu’s next move, whether he remains for Reims' Ligue 2 campaign or seeks a return to top-tier European football.