Africa · Football
Published Saturday, Nov. 14, 2:35 a.m. ET (8:35 a.m. Lagos) · Source: Confederation of African Football (CAF) fixtures, official match data, Polymarket
Mali were a goal down twice in Bamako on Friday night, and both times they hit back. Mamadou Camara then won it 3-2 in the 84th minute against Rwanda in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The win lifts Mali to nine points from three games in Group K, three clear of Rwanda. The two sides meet again in AFCON 2027 qualifiers action in Kigali on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 2 p.m. ET (7 p.m. GMT, 8 p.m. Lagos).
Key Facts
- Result. Mali 3, Rwanda 2, Friday, Nov. 13, at the Stade du 26-Mars, a Bamako stadium, in Mali.
- Kickoff. Scheduled for 2 p.m. ET (7 p.m. in Bamako and London, 8 p.m. in Lagos).
- Group K. One of 12 four-team groups. Mali 9 points, Rwanda 6, Cape Verde 3, Liberia 0.
- Next. Rwanda v Mali in Kigali on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2 p.m. ET.
- Prediction markets. Polymarket puts Mali at 76% to win Group K (US$25,770 traded, Nov. 14, 2:06 a.m. ET).
This story is part of our coverage of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers. Dates, times and how to follow it are in our guide.
In plain English
The Africa Cup of Nations is the continent’s national-team championship. Teams first have to qualify in small groups, and the top two in each group go to the tournament, which Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will host from June 19 to July 17, 2027.
Mali Come From Behind Twice
Rwanda struck first in the 29th minute, when Jojea Kwizera scored for the visitors. Kamory Doumbia equalized for Mali in the 43rd minute, just before half-time.
Rwanda went ahead again in the 54th minute through Phanuel Kavita. Mali’s forward Moussa Yeo made it 2-2 in the 63rd minute.
Then came the turning point. Camara scored the winner in the 84th minute.
Why Group K Now Leans Mali’s Way
Mali have won all three of their games. Earlier in the campaign they also beat Cape Verde and Liberia.
Rwanda sit second with six points after wins over Liberia and Cape Verde. Cape Verde have three points after beating Liberia 4-2 on Friday, while Liberia have none from three games.
Goal difference tells the same story: Mali are on plus four, Rwanda on plus two, Cape Verde on minus one and Liberia on minus five. Only the top two teams qualify, so every point now matters.
What Prediction Markets Say
Polymarket, a crypto-based prediction market where people trade real money on outcomes, put Mali at 76.0% to win Group K as of 2:06 a.m. ET on Nov. 14. It gave Rwanda 13.5%, Cape Verde 13.0% and Liberia under 1%, on US$25,770 traded.
The prices come from separate bets on each team, so they do not add up to exactly 100%. They are wagers, not polls.
Why we show this: prediction markets turn real-money bets into a live probability that moves within minutes of the news, which is why investors, campaigns and newsrooms in the United States now follow them closely. We show them next to polls and official results, never instead of them.
What Happens Next in Kigali
Rwanda host Mali at the Amahoro Stadium, the national stadium in Kigali, on Tuesday, Nov. 17, with kickoff set for 2 p.m. ET (7 p.m. GMT, 8 p.m. Lagos). On the same day Liberia host Cape Verde.
A Rwandan win would level the two teams on points, while a Mali win or draw would keep Mali ahead going into the final two rounds in March 2027. Rwanda’s only previous appearance at the finals was in 2004.
For a look at how other teams fared this week, see our reports on Nigeria’s comeback win over Tanzania and Morocco’s 5-1 win over Niger.
What It Means for US Readers
For fans in the United States, the Africa Cup of Nations is the biggest international tournament on the continent. Mali now look like the favourite to reach it, but nothing is settled.
The two group qualifiers will head to East Africa for a tournament in the northern summer of 2027. We have not confirmed any US broadcast arrangement for the Kigali game.
What Is Not Known
The attendance, the referee and any comments from the coaches or players were not available when we published. We also could not confirm which goals were a player’s first for his country.
Qualification for the final two rounds in March 2027 depends on results not yet played.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result between Mali and Rwanda?
Mali won 3-2 in Bamako on Friday, Nov. 13, after trailing twice. Mamadou Camara scored the winner in the 84th minute.
Where does Mali stand in Group K?
Mali lead with nine points from three wins, three ahead of Rwanda. The top two teams in the group qualify.
When is the return match?
Rwanda host Mali in Kigali on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 2 p.m. ET (8 p.m. Lagos).
Sources: Confederation of African Football qualifying fixtures and match data; Polymarket (AFCON 2027 Qualifying: Group K Winner).
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