The weekend brought a mix of triumph and disappointment for Kenyan footballers abroad, highlighting the varied fortunes of several Harambee Stars players.
Joseph Okumu Falls Short in French Cup Final
Harambee Stars vice-captain Joseph Okumu came agonizingly close to making history as his club, Stade de Reims, suffered a 3-0 defeat to French giants Paris Saint-Germain in the Coupe de France final on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at the iconic Stade de France.
Okumu, who started the match, played for 46 minutes before being substituted by Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Moscardo. A victory would have made the 27-year-old the first Kenyan footballer to win a major trophy on French soil.
PSG, already crowned Ligue 1 and French Super Cup champions, displayed dominant form. Bradley Barcola struck twice in quick succession, while Achraf Hakimi added a third before halftime to secure a commanding lead. Despite Reims’ efforts after the break, they failed to mount a comeback as PSG lifted a record-extending 16th French Cup, sealing a domestic treble ahead of their UEFA Champions League final clash with Inter Milan.
Meanwhile, Okumu and Reims are also battling to avoid relegation from Ligue 1. A 1-1 draw in the promotion-relegation playoff on Wednesday, May 21, leaves their top-flight status hanging in the balance ahead of the crucial return leg.
Tereza Engesha Makes Continental History in Asia
Harambee starlets striker Tereza Engesha etched her name in the history books by helping her club, Wuhan Jiangda, win the inaugural AFC Women’s Champions League title. Wuhan triumphed 5-4 on penalties against Australia’s Melbourne City after a dramatic 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Engesha played a key role in the final, featuring for 86 minutes. Melbourne took the lead in the 75th minute through Shelby McMahon, but Wuhan equalized deep into stoppage time via a penalty from Chinese international Wang Shuang.
With no goals in extra time, the final was decided in a tense shootout where Wuhan held their nerve to claim Asia’s top club prize. Engesha becomes the first Kenyan woman ever to win a continental Champions League title.
Masud Juma Fires Esteghlal to Iranian Cup Final
Harambee Stars forward Masud Juma was on target as Esteghlal FC secured a 2-0 win over Sanat Naft Abadan to reach the Hazfi Cup final in Iran. Juma scored a powerful header in the 57th minute, adding to a first-half strike by teammate Ali Reza Kooshki at Tehran’s Azadi Stadium.
Esteghlal now prepare to face Malavan FC in the final on Thursday, June 8, 2025, at The Imam Khomeini Stadium in Arak. The goal continues Juma’s strong form in Iranian football and adds momentum ahead of the decisive showdown.
Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma Shines in Poland
Elsewhere in Europe, Kenyan left-back Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma capped off a standout season with Polish side Raków Częstochowa, who finished as runners-up in the Ekstraklasa with 69 points—just one behind champions Lech Poznań.
Ouma ended the campaign with an impressive five assists, one goal, and three Man of the Match awards, earning praise for his consistent performances.
Raków’s second-place finish secures them a spot in next season’s UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers.
