Mali fight back twice to beat Rwanda in five-goal AFCON qualifier

The hosts secured the victory with a late header from substitute Mamadou Camara, who scored in the 84th minute at Stade du 26 Mars after Rwanda had twice taken the lead.

Jojea Kwizera put Rwanda ahead in the 29th minute, finishing a pass from Elie Tatou Iradukunda to give the visitors an early advantage despite Mali’s greater share of possession.

Mali pressed for an equaliser and drew level in the 43rd minute. Amadou Haidara headed the ball across goal following a free-kick, allowing Kamory Doumbia to finish from close range.

The teams went into half-time level at 1-1, but Rwanda regained the lead nine minutes after the restart. Kwizera delivered the ball into the penalty area from a corner routine, and defender Phanuel Kavita headed home in the 54th minute.

Rwanda had an opportunity to extend their advantage when Iradukunda tested Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra with a powerful effort, but the goalkeeper kept the hosts in the match.

Mali equalised for a second time in the 63rd minute. Lassine Sinayoko supplied the ball for Moussa Kounfolo Yeo, who finished to make it 2-2.

The hosts continued to press and found the winner six minutes from time. Daouda Guindo delivered a corner from the right, and Camara rose at the near post to head past Rwanda goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari.

The result gave Mali nine points from three matches, keeping them top of Group K. Rwanda remained second with six points, while Cape Verde moved to third on three points after beating Liberia 4-2. Liberia are bottom without a point.

The two sides will meet again on Tuesday, November 17, when Rwanda host Mali in the fourth round of Group K fixtures in Kigali.