Twice behind, Mali’s Eagles beat Rwanda (3-2) this Friday on matchday 3 of the CAN 2027 qualifiers, thanks to goals from Doumbia, Yeo and Camara. With nine points, they sit alone at the top of Group K.
The Eagles had to dig deep. This Friday, on matchday 3 of the CAN 2027 qualifiers, Mali beat Rwanda (3-2), reports Sport.fr. Behind twice, the Malian national team equalised each time before forcing the decision in the final quarter of an hour.
With nine points, Mali sit alone at the top of Group K, three lengths ahead of their opponents of the evening, according to Sport.fr. The Rwandan side, meanwhile, concede their first defeat in these qualifiers, according to CECAFA Online.
Twice behind, twice back level
The script long favoured Rwanda. Kwizera opened the scoring for Rwanda in the 29th minute. Doumbia equalised just before the break (43rd), bringing the two teams level.
After the restart, Kavita restored Rwanda’s lead (54th). Mali’s response came from Yeo, who brought the two teams level again in the 63rd minute. It was then left to Camara to settle the match: his goal in the 84th minute gave the Eagles victory.
Statistical dominance
The shape of the game confirms Mali’s dominance. According to Sport.fr, the Eagles registered 35 shots and 74% possession, while the scoreboard long favoured Rwanda.
That grip did not, however, keep the Malian defence out of trouble: the Eagles conceded two goals from few chances. Mali will need to fix their defence at the next gathering.
Three out of three for Mali
This victory is Mali’s third in as many matches, continuing their perfect run in these qualifiers, according to Sport.fr. The Eagles thus pull clear in Group K, with a three-point lead over Rwanda, their opponents of the day.
Rwanda, for their part, suffer their first defeat of the campaign, according to CECAFA Online. The Eagles’ next appointment is matchday 4 of the CAN 2027 qualifiers.