Mali fight back to beat Rwanda and maintain perfect CAN 2027 qualifying record

Mali came from behind to defeat Rwanda 3-2 in Bamako and make it three wins from three in the CAN 2027 qualifiers.

The Aigles fell behind in the 29th minute at the Stade du 26 Mars, despite Rwanda having just 14% possession. The Amavubi made the most of one of their few attacking opportunities to take a surprise lead.

Kamory Doumbia restored parity just before half-time. A powerful free-kick was pushed away by Rwanda goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, but Amadou Haidara headed the rebound across goal for the Brest player to finish from close range in the 44th minute.

Mali twice struck the woodwork before Rwanda moved back in front nine minutes after the restart. Moussa Yeo had been denied by the crossbar five minutes earlier, but the forward levelled for a second time in the 63rd minute after being set up by Lassine Sinayoko.

The winning goal came from a corner taken from the right by Daouda Guindo. Substitute Mamadou Camara met the delivery with a header at the near post to complete the comeback and secure victory for Anthony da Silva’s side.

The result leaves Mali alone at the top of Group K ahead of the return fixture in Kigali next Tuesday.

The Aigles had begun their qualifying campaign with a 3-1 victory over Cape Verde before beating Liberia 1-0 at the end of September. They have now collected maximum points from all three matches.