Rwanda's national football team, Amavubi, suffered a setback in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign, losing 3-2 to Mali in Bamako on November 13. Despite taking the lead twice, Rwanda was unable to protect their advantages, allowing Mali to fight back and secure all three points. The result was disappointing for Rwanda, who had shown attacking intent and resilience against one of Africa's top football sides.
The match got off to a promising start for Rwanda, with Jojea Kwizera scoring in the 28th minute to give Amavubi the lead. However, Mali responded before halftime, equalizing in the 42nd minute to level the score at 1-1. Rwanda regained the lead just eight minutes into the second half, with Phanuel Kavita scoring a powerful header from a corner routine in the 53rd minute.
Despite their lead, Rwanda struggled to defend against Mali's increasing pressure. The hosts had already threatened twice in quick succession, with Mahamadou Doumbia striking the right post and Moussa Kounfolo Yeo rattling the woodwork. Mali's persistence paid off in the 63rd minute when Yeo found the equalizer, bringing the score to 2-2 and shifting momentum towards the hosts.
Mali introduced fresh attacking options, including Gaoussou Diakite and Mohamadou Kante, as they sought a decisive breakthrough. Rwanda's Kwizera tested the Mali goalkeeper in the 60th minute, while Mickels Joy Lance came close in the 81st minute after a promising counter-attacking move. However, the goalkeeper stood firm to deny the visitors a crucial third goal.
Mali eventually found the breakthrough they had been searching for, with Mohamadou Kante rising to head home from a corner in the 85th minute. The hosts' comeback was complete, leaving Amavubi with little time to rescue a point. The four minutes of added time that followed offered no further goals, confirming a painful defeat for the Rwandan side.
Before the encounter, Rwanda captain Djihad Bizimana had acknowledged Mali's strength, describing them as one of Africa's top football sides. Despite the disappointment, Rwanda will not have to wait long for an opportunity to respond, with the two sides scheduled to meet again on November 17 in Kigali, where Amavubi will have the backing of their home supporters.
The result has significant implications for the qualifying group, with Mali moving to the top of Group K with nine points from three matches and Rwanda dropping to second with six points. Cape Verde occupy third place on three points after beating Liberia 4-2, leaving Liberia bottom without a point. The group's fourth round of matches is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, when Rwanda host Mali in Kigali.
Key points
- Amavubi's loss to Mali has put their AFCON qualifying hopes in jeopardy.
- Rwanda will have a chance to respond when they host Mali in Kigali on November 17.
- The result has significant implications for the qualifying group, with Mali taking the top spot and Rwanda dropping to second.
