AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Mali edge Rwanda 3-2 in thrilling Group K encounter

Mali strengthened their position in Group K of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after securing a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Rwanda at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako on Friday.

The Eagles fell behind in the 29th minute when Jojea Kwizera found the back of the net to give Rwanda the lead.

Mali responded before the break, with Kamory Doumbia restoring parity in the 43rd minute to send both teams into the interval level.

Rwanda regained the advantage shortly after the restart through Phanuel Kavita, who scored in the 54th minute to put the visitors ahead once again.

However, Mali responded immediately, with Moussa Kounfolo Yeo equalising in the 63rd minute to bring the hosts back into the contest.

The decisive moment arrived in the 84th minute when substitute Mamadou Camara scored to complete Mali’s comeback and secure all three points.

The victory takes Mali to nine points from three matches, moving them ahead of Rwanda, who remain on six points in Group K.

The two sides will meet again in the return fixture in Kigali on November 17.