Rwanda face a major test in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers when they take on Mali in Bamako, with a positive result potentially strengthening their lead in Group K ahead of the return leg in Kigali on November 17. The Amavubi head into the encounter after a 2-1 away victory over Cape Verde, while Mali arrive with a strong record, having beaten Cape Verde 3-1 and Liberia 1-0 in their opening qualifying matches. Mali have never lost to Rwanda in four previous meetings, winning three and drawing one, and will be looking to maintain that record on home soil. Rwanda, however, have shown improved form under head coach Stephen Constantine, winning four of their last five matches. The team also held Kenya to a goalless draw in a friendly last month. Constantine targets positive result Constantine acknowledged the challenge awaiting his side but said a positive result in Bamako would put Rwanda in a strong position ahead of the return fixture. “A draw in Mali would be a satisfactory result, but if we can win there it would put us in a very strong position,” he said. He expects the hosts to start aggressively and urged his players to remain organised. “We expect Mali to come hard at us in the first 15 to 20 minutes. They are at home and they will want to impose themselves early. The important thing is for us to stay organised, stay disciplined and remain in the game.” The coach also praised the atmosphere in camp and the players’ commitment despite limited preparation time with some foreign-based players. “The spirit in camp has been excellent. The players understand what is at stake and they are fully committed to what we are trying to achieve,” he said. Mali wary of Amavubi Mali head coach Anthony Da Silva has also warned his players against underestimating Rwanda, praising the team’s organisation and performances in the opening qualifiers. “Rwanda have shown their quality in the first two matches. They are well organised, disciplined and deserve to be where they are in the group,” Da Silva said. He said his side were focused on securing victory at home before turning attention to the return fixture. “The chances are equal. We have to focus on the first game before thinking about the second one. Our objective is to win at home and stay on top of the group,” he added. Rwanda’s motivation has also been boosted by an improved bonus structure. Each player will receive Rwf3 million for a victory against Mali and Rwf1.5 million for a draw, double the previous bonuses of Rwf1.5 million and Rwf750,000, respectively.
