AFCON2027Q: Mali end Rwanda’s perfect start with dramatic 3–2 victory (Photos)

Mali came from behind twice to defeat Rwanda 3–2 in a thrilling 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group K qualifier at Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako on Friday night, ending Amavubi’s unbeaten start to the qualifying campaign.

The hosts secured all three points through goals from Kamory Doumbia, Moussa Kounfolo Yeo and Mamadou Camara, while Jojea Kwizera and Phanuel Kavita were on target for Rwanda.

Rwanda, who had collected maximum points from their opening two qualifying matches, made a promising start and broke the deadlock in the 29th minute through Kwizera.

The midfielder found the back of the net with a close-range left-footed finish following a set-piece situation, giving Stephen Constantine's men an early advantage against the Group K favourites.

However, Mali responded before the interval, with Kamory Doumbia restoring parity in the 43rd minute.

The forward finished from close range after Amadou Haidara provided the assist following a set-piece situation, sending both teams into the break level at 1–1.

Rwanda regained the lead shortly after the restart, with defender Phanuel Kavita scoring in the 54th minute.

The centre-back headed home from the middle of the penalty area after meeting Kwizera's delivery from a corner kick, putting the visitors 2–1 ahead.

Mali intensified their attacking pressure and were rewarded in the 63rd minute when substitute Moussa Kounfolo Yeo levelled the contest at 2–2.

He converted from inside the box following an assist from Lassine Sinayoko.

The hosts continued searching for a winner and completed their comeback six minutes from time.

Mamadou Camara rose highest to head home Daouda Guindo’s cross from a corner in the 84th minute, giving Mali a decisive 3–2 advantage.

Rwanda attempted to find another equaliser during the closing stages, but Mali maintained their defensive discipline to secure victory after five minutes of added time.

The result represents a setback for Amavubi, who had started their qualifying campaign with a 3–1 home victory over Liberia before recording an impressive 2–1 away win against Cape Verde in September.

Mali, meanwhile, maintained their strong momentum after opening their campaign with a 3–1 victory over Cape Verde and a narrow 1–0 away win against Liberia.

The two teams entered Friday’s encounter level on six points, with Rwanda leading the group on goal difference ahead of the meeting in Bamako.

Attention now turns to the return fixture scheduled for November 17 in Kigali, where Rwanda will have an opportunity to respond in front of their home supporters.

The two-legged contest could prove decisive in the race for qualification, with the top two teams in Group K securing places at the 2027 AFCON finals, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

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