Rwanda recorded a 1-1 draw at home with Mali on Saturday, October 22, in the first leg game of the final preliminary round for qualification to the 2023 U23 AFCON. Both teams started the game on a bright note as they made incursions into each other's vital area. The Amavubi U23 team pressed for the opener in the early stages but found the Malian defense difficult to break. Rwanda's first major chance in the game fell to Anicet Ishimwe who went on a solo run through the middle. He beat two players but chose to go for personal glory instead of setting up Ashraf Kamanzi who was in a better position to score. Rwanda had a call for a penalty ignored by the referee in the 35th minute after Ishimwe was brought down inside the box. Mali broke the deadlock of the game in the 43rd minute through Ahmed Diomande after goalkeeper Adolphe Hakizimana fumbled to grab his harmless shot from 25 yards. There was more drama a minute later. Malian goalkeeper Lassina Diarra failed to control a simple back pass which passed under the sole of his feet for the equalizer. The first half ended 1-1 with both teams having displayed quality football. The second half saw Rwanda going again in full force. But Rwandan attackers still failed to break the Malians back four. Moise Nyarugabo who was playing with much urgency fired a long range strike from 35 yards and missed the post narrowly, to the relief of the Malian bench. Chances were far and few from the 80th minute as both teams decided to hold the ball in midfield until the referee blew his whistle for the end of the game.
