Harambee Stars’ Defender Joseph Okumu Shines vs West Ham in Conference League

• Joseph Okumu put in a decent shift for KAA Gent against West Ham in the Conference League
• The Kenyan defender was part of the team that drew 1-1 against the English opposition
• At only 25 years, Okumu is considered one of the brightest prospects in Kenyan football

Kenyan international defender Joseph Okumu made history by becoming the first Kenyan to play in the UEFA Conference League quarterfinals. Okumu lasted the entire 90 minutes as his KAA Gent side held West Ham to a one-all draw on April 13.

Okumu hardly put a foot wrong in a centre-back pairing with Polish star Kamil Piatkowski. On another day, Gent should have won had they been more efficient with their chances.

Danny Ings converted from close range just before halftime. Hugo Cuypers restored parity in the 57th minute to set out an evenly balanced tie ahead of next week's showdown in London.

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Okumu vs West Ham

According to stats from Sofa Score, Okumu had the highest rating of all his defensive teammates. He made 7 clearances, made one interception and won 4 of his 6 aerial duels. He also averaged a passing accuracy of 81%.

He made one impressive block as he snuffed out Jarrod Bowen's attempt to square in the ball into the penalty area in the first half.

The former Chemelil Sugar defender will be hoping his side can see off David Moyes' side next week. The Hammers are battling relegation but would be keen on winning silverware this season.

From Chemelil, Okumu went to the United States before joining Swedish club Elfsborg. He joined Gent in 2021. He was recently part of the Harambee Stars' squad that lost to Iran in an international friendly.

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The 25-year-old also once served as Emerging Stars captain - Kenya's national U-23 side.

Okumu's racial abuse

Previously, Sports Brief reported that disgusting scenes were witnessed in Belgium when Kenyan international defender Joseph Okumu was allegedly racially abused.

Okumu was part of his team's KAA Gent 2-1 victory over KV Mechelen in the Conference League playoffs on May 10th.

Okumu did not start the game but was introduced after 67 minutes taking Andreas Hanche-Olsen's place. The incident happened in the 78th minute when a fan spit on him.