AFCON 2021: Chelsea ace Antonio Rudiger sends lovely message to Sierra Leone after hard-fought draw vs Algeria

AFCON 2021: Chelsea ace Antonio Rudiger sends lovely message to Sierra Leone after hard-fought draw vs Algeria

Rene Otinga, Keba Mothoagae
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:54 PM
In this article:
CAF Africa Cup of Nations logo
CAF AFCON
Africa
  • Rudiger’s parents are from Sierra Leone
  • The Chelsea ace was in high spirits after Sierra Leone held defending champions to a 0-0 draw in the AFCON
  • Thanks to the efforts from goalkeeper Mohamed N. Kamara, Sierra Leone managed to hold off the frightening Algeria who had the likes of Mahrez and Benrahma

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger was full of praise for Sierra Leone after they managed to somehow hold off defending champions Algeria in an Africa up of Nations Group E encounter.

Chelsea ace Antonio Rudiger
Antonio Rudiger was full of praise for Sierra Leone for holding off Algeria. Photo: Getty.
Source: Getty Images

Sierra Leone came into the game as underdogs, and Algeria, led by Manchester City ace Riyad Mahrez, were expected to cruise.

With stars such as West Ham’s Said Benrahma also in the Algeria team, they somehow failed to break the deadlock, and it was largely due to the inspired form of Sierra Leone goalkeeper Mohamed N. Kamara who emerged as the man of the match.

Kamara pulled off some incredible saves throughout the match and constantly kept his side in the game as Algeria struggled to break down the underdogs.

In the end, both sides had to settle for a point, something which delighted Rudiger, who has roots in Sierra Leone.

Taking to his Instagram, the Chelsea defender shared a photo of himself holding the Sierra Leone flag along with the caption:

"Well played Sierra Leone Flag of Sierra Leone. ..What a result Fire Mohamed Kamara my MOTM Clapping hands sign #cleansheet #hustle #alwaysbelieve #AFCON2021."

Rudiger currently plays for the Germany national team.

While the draw is not disastrous by any means for Algeria, they will have to go for all three points when they take on Equatorial Guinea in their next group game, while it also does not get any easier for Sierra Leone, who face Ivory Coast in their next game.

Rudiger’s love for Sierra Leone

Despite being affiliated with the Germany national team, Rudiger has never made it a secret his love for Sierra Leone.

In January 2021, he was heavily involved in efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the country by facilitating the purchase of 60,000 facemasks for market traders in Sierra Leone and also donated money to the country's Free Quality Education initiative

PSG offer massive deal to Rudiger

Meanwhile, PSG have reportedly offered a massive £6m per year for them to sign strong Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger this summer.

Antonio Rudiger's current contract with Chelsea will expire at the end of the season and Chelsea chiefs are trying their best to make him sign another deal so as not to lose him for free.

Authors
Rene Otinga photo
Rene Otinga
Rene Otinga is a sports journalist with over eight years of working experience in digital media. Rene's experience includes working as a Copywriter at X News Kenya and TUKO.co.ke.
Keba Mothoagae photo
Keba Mothoagae
Editor- Local Desk