Rwanda missed the chance to move to the top of Group K after suffering a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Mali in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier in Bamako on Friday.

The Amavubi made a bright start and took the lead in the 29th minute when Jojea Kwizera calmly finished to put the visitors ahead.

Mali responded just before halftime through Kamory Doumbia, who struck in the 43rd minute to send the teams into the break level at 1-1.

Rwanda restored their advantage nine minutes after the restart when Phanuel Kavita found the back of the net in the 54th minute.

However, the hosts drew level again in the 63rd minute through Moussa Kounfolo Yeo, setting up a tense finish at Stade du 26 Mars.

With Rwanda seemingly on course for a valuable point, Mamadou Camara struck six minutes from time to complete Mali’s comeback and secure a 3-2 victory.

The result takes Mali to the top of Group K with nine points from three matches, while Rwanda remain second with six points. Cape Verde are third with three points after beating Liberia 4-2.

Despite the defeat, Rwanda remain in contention for a place at the 2027 AFCON finals, with the top two teams in the group qualifying automatically.

The two sides will meet again in the return leg on Tuesday, November 17, in Kigali.