AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Rwanda cause a surprise and keep pace with Mali at the top of Group K

Rwanda confirmed their excellent start to the AFCON 2027 qualifiers by winning 2-1 in Cape Verde. The Amavubi now have six points after two matchdays and find themselves level with Mali at the top of Group K.

Rwanda have made a notable start to their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign. After beating Liberia (3-1) on the opening matchday, the Rwandan national team came from behind to defeat Cape Verde (2-1) on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, in Praia.

The Blue Sharks had nevertheless taken the lead in the 40th minute through Gilson Benchimol. Rwanda responded just before half-time, with Claude Niyomugabo equalising in stoppage time. Seven minutes after the restart, Elie Iradukunda Tatou scored the winning goal. The scoreline did not change thereafter.

Rwanda join Mali

This second victory takes Rwanda to six points from six. Mali also have six points after their 1-0 win over Liberia, if this result is confirmed by the competition’s official sources.

Both national teams had already won their opening match. Rwanda beat Liberia 3-1, while Mali defeated Cape Verde by the same scoreline. CAF confirmed both results at the end of the opening matchday.

If Mali’s victory over Liberia was indeed 1-0, Rwanda and Mali therefore have the same record after two matchdays: two wins, six points and a +3 goal difference.

Cape Verde under pressure

Cape Verde, meanwhile, have made a difficult start to their campaign. After losing 3-1 to Mali on the opening matchday, the Cape Verdean national team fell to a 1-2 home defeat against Rwanda.

This situation contrasts with the context in which the Blue Sharks approached these qualifiers. Cape Verde have just secured the first World Cup qualification in their history for the 2026 tournament. The national team had therefore begun this new cycle with heightened expectations.

After two matchdays, however, they have no points in Group K. Liberia also remain on zero points after their opening defeat to Rwanda and their match against Mali.

Two Rwanda-Mali clashes in November

The schedule now includes two head-to-head meetings between the top two teams in November. Mali will first host Rwanda on November 11, before travelling to Rwanda four days later, on November 15.

These two matches will be the first meetings between the two leaders in this campaign. For now, Rwanda have already caused a surprise by winning their opening two matches and joining Mali at the top of Group K.

The top two places in this group will qualify for AFCON 2027.

Nouya M'toama

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Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations