Mali host Rwanda at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako on Friday, 13 November 2026, with kick-off at 19:00 GMT in the third round of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Eagles are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation, combining a back four with a three-man midfield and an attacking front three. Mali will look to control the tempo, apply early pressure and use their wide players to create problems for Rwanda’s defence.

Djigui Diarra is expected to start in goal, behind a defence featuring Hamari Traore, Ousmane Camara, Souleymane Sagnan and Nathan Gassama.

Aliou Dieng, Mahamadou Doumbia and Mamadou Sangare are the likely midfield three. Nene Dorgeles, Lassine Sinayoko and Gaoussou Diarra are set to form the attacking line.

Mali probable XI

Goalkeeper: Djigui Diarra

Defenders: Hamari Traore, Ousmane Camara, Souleymane Sagnan, Nathan Gassama

Midfielders: Aliou Dieng, Mahamadou Doumbia, Mamadou Sangare

Forwards: Nene Dorgeles, Lassine Sinayoko, Gaoussou Diarra

Rwanda are expected to use a 4-4-2 system, with the Amavubi relying on organisation and defensive discipline. Their two banks of four are likely to remain compact, limiting the space available to Mali’s forwards and putting pressure on the player in possession.

The visitors’ two strikers will be tasked with challenging the Mali defence, capitalising on mistakes and turning opportunities on the counter-attack into goalscoring chances.

A. Hakizimana is the probable goalkeeper, with D. Nkulukiyimana, C. Niyigena, E. Imanishimwe and E. Iradukunda expected to make up the back four.

O. Uwumukiza, S. Gueulette, Jojea Kwizera and K. Muhire are the likely midfield quartet. A. Biramahire and I. Nshuti are set to lead the attack.

Rwanda probable XI

Goalkeeper: A. Hakizimana

Defenders: D. Nkulukiyimana, C. Niyigena, E. Imanishimwe, E. Iradukunda

Midfielders: O. Uwumukiza, S. Gueulette, Jojea Kwizera, K. Muhire

Forwards: A. Biramahire, I. Nshuti

The match is scheduled to take place shortly as both teams begin their third fixture in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

According to the odds listed by 1xbet, Mali are priced at 1.27 to win, while a draw is 5.00 and a Rwanda victory is 10.80.