Mali and Rwanda meet in decisive early test for 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification

Mali host Rwanda in Bamako on Friday, 13 November, in a top-of-the-table clash in Group K of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Both sides have won their opening two matches and are now level on six points, with the winner taking sole control of the group. The fixture also begins a two-match sequence between the teams, who will meet again in Rwanda four days later.

Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 in Bamako and GMT, 21:00 in Kigali and 20:00 in France. The match will be played at the Stade du 26-Mars in the Malian capital.

Viewers in Mali can watch the game on New World Sport 6 and Canal+ Sport 1. In France, it will be shown live on beIN SPORTS MAX 5, with subscribers also able to stream the match through beIN SPORTS CONNECT.

The Mali manager, Anthony Da Silva, has also given an exclusive interview to Afrik-Foot.

Both nations have made an unbeaten start to their qualifying campaigns, recording two victories apiece. Mali began with a 3-1 win against Cape Verde before securing a 1-0 victory away to Liberia.

Rwanda also defeated Liberia 3-1 in their opening match, then followed that result with a 2-1 victory over Cape Verde.

The teams have identical records and the same goal difference of plus three. Rwanda currently sit top of Group K because they have scored five goals, one more than Mali.

The hosts could also give Mohamadou Kante, their new addition from West Ham, his first appearance for the national team.

With the two sides so closely matched, Friday’s result could establish an early leader in the group. A victory would give either Mali or Rwanda sole possession of first place.

The return fixture will take place in Kigali on Tuesday, 17 November, completing the first home-and-away meeting between the teams in this qualifying campaign.

Louis Mukoma Fargues