Okumu to face Reims teammate as Harambee Stars take on Warriors in Four Nations Tournament final

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KENYA vs ZIMBABWE Okumu to face Reims teammate as Harambee Stars take on Warriors in Four Nations Tournament final

Festus Chuma 13:20 - 25.03.2024

Stade de Reims' Joseph Okumu to confront his club mate in the Four Nations final as Kenya takes on Zimbabwe.

Stade de Reims defender Joseph Okumu is gearing up for an intriguing clash against his club teammate, Marshall Munetsi, when the Kenya national team, Harambee Stars, faces Zimbabwe in the eagerly anticipated final of the Four Nations Tournament in Malawi.

This unique matchup is set to unfold on Tuesday at Bingu Stadium in Malawi adding an extra layer of intrigue to the already high-stakes game.

The journey to the final saw the Harambee Stars secure a resounding 4-0 victory over Malawi, while Zimbabwe edged past Chipolopolo with a 6-5 win in a nail-biting penalty shootout, following a 2-2 deadlock in regular time.

This setup not only promises a thrilling encounter but also places the spotlight on the Reims teammates, as they temporarily switch from allies to adversaries on the pitch.

Munetsi, who has been with Reims since 2019 after transferring from South African Premier League side Orlando Pirates, has had a journey marked by growth and adaptation.

The 27-year-old midfielder's path to France was paved with a loan spell at Baroka FC, aimed at honing his skills, before making a significant impact upon his return to the Pirates, where he featured prominently in the last season.

On the other hand, Okumu's move to Reims in June 2023 from Belgian outfit KAA Gent marked a new chapter in the Kenyan defender's career.

Having joined Gent in 2021 from Swedish side Elfsborg, Okumu quickly became an indispensable part of the defense, showcasing his prowess and adaptability across European football.

Kenya and Zimbabwe have clashed on the football field five times, with the majority of their encounters, four to be exact, ending in draws.

Of these meetings, Kenya has experienced defeat only once. The last time these two sides faced each other was in a goalless draw during a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

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