Rwanda's Amavubi Lose to Mali in CAN 2027 Qualifier

The Rwandan national team, Amavubi, suffered a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Mali's Les Aigles du Mali in a crucial CAN 2027 qualifier match. The game, which took place on November 13, 2026, at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, was part of the Group K qualifiers. The match was closely contested, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. However, Mali's Les Aigles du Mali took an early lead and managed to hold on to their advantage.

The match began with Les Aigles du Mali dominating possession and creating scoring chances. Amavubi's goalkeeper, Ntwali Fiarce, made crucial saves to deny Mali's attackers. However, on the 29th minute, Amavubi's Kwizera Jojea scored the opening goal, assisted by Iradukunda Elie. The lead was short-lived, as Mali equalized on the 43rd minute through Amadou Haidara's header, assisted by Dorgeles Nene.

In the second half, Mali made a substitution, bringing on Fode Doucoure for Hamari Traore. The move paid off, as Lassine Sinayoko's shot hit the post, but the rebound was converted by Moussa Kounfolo Yeo on the 63rd minute, giving Mali a 2-1 lead. Amavubi responded well, with Kwizera Jojea scoring his second goal on the 54th minute. However, Mali sealed the win with a third goal on the 84th minute, courtesy of Mamadou Camara's header.

The loss leaves Amavubi with six points in Group K, while Mali tops the group with nine points. Cape-Vert is third with three points, and Liberia is at the bottom with zero points. Amavubi will return to Kigali, where they will host Les Aigles du Mali in a reverse fixture on November 16, 2026, at the Stade Amahoro.

The match was attended by over 50,000 fans, who created an electric atmosphere at the Stade du 26 Mars. Amavubi's coach, Stephen Constantine, made two substitutions during the game, bringing on Ruboneka Jean Bosco and Mugisha Gilbert for Kwizera Jojea and Darrly Nkulikiyimana.

Despite the loss, Amavubi still has a chance to qualify for CAN 2027. The team will need to regroup and focus on their next match against Mali. The reverse fixture will be a crucial encounter, as Amavubi will look to bounce back and revive their qualifying hopes.

The Group K qualifiers will continue with more matches in the coming weeks. Amavubi's performance in the qualifiers has been inconsistent, but they will look to turn their fortunes around in the upcoming matches. The team's fans will be eagerly awaiting the next match, hoping for a positive result.

Key points

• Amavubi lost 3-2 to Mali in a CAN 2027 qualifier match on November 13, 2026.
• The loss leaves Amavubi with six points in Group K, while Mali tops the group with nine points.
• Amavubi will host Les Aigles du Mali in a reverse fixture on November 16, 2026, at the Stade Amahoro.