Mali v Rwanda: Probable line-ups for 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

Mali and Rwanda meet at the Stade du 26 Mars de Bamako on Friday, 13 November 2026, with both sides beginning their third match in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 GMT.

Mali are expected to use a 4-3-3 formation, with a midfield trio providing control and a front three tasked with stretching the Rwandan defence. The system is designed to offer a balance between defensive protection and attacking threat, while allowing the Eagles to seek an early grip on the match.

Djigui Diarra is set to start in goal, behind a back four of Hamari Traore, Ousmane Camara, Souleymane Sagnan and Nathan Gassama.

Aliou Dieng, Mahamadou Doumbia and Mamadou Sangare are expected to form the midfield three. Nene Dorgeles, Lassine Sinayoko and Gaoussou Diarra are the likely attacking options.

Mali’s probable XI

Goalkeeper: Djigui Diarra

Defenders: Hamari Traore, Ousmane Camara, Souleymane Sagnan, Nathan Gassama

Midfielders: Aliou Dieng, Mahamadou Doumbia, Mamadou Sangare

Forwards: Nene Dorgeles, Lassine Sinayoko, Gaoussou Diarra

Rwanda are expected to line up in a 4-4-2, relying on a compact shape and disciplined defensive organisation. Two narrow lines of four should aim to limit the space available to Mali, apply pressure to the player in possession and restrict opportunities for the hosts’ forwards.

The Amavubi’s two-man attack will look to put pressure on Mali’s defence, take advantage of mistakes and turn counter-attacking situations into chances.

A. Hakizimana is the projected goalkeeper, with D. Nkulukiyimana, C. Niyigena, E. Imanishimwe and E. Iradukunda set to form the defensive line.

O. Uwumukiza, S. Gueulette, Jojea Kwizera and K. Muhire are the probable midfielders. A. Biramahire and I. Nshuti are expected to lead the attack.

Rwanda’s probable XI

Goalkeeper: A. Hakizimana

Defenders: D. Nkulukiyimana, C. Niyigena, E. Imanishimwe, E. Iradukunda

Midfielders: O. Uwumukiza, S. Gueulette, Jojea Kwizera, K. Muhire

Forwards: A. Biramahire, I. Nshuti

The match odds listed by 1xbet make Mali the clear favourites, with a home win priced at 1,27. A draw is rated at 5,00, while Rwanda are priced at 10,80 to win.