Mali host Rwanda in Bamako on Friday, 13 November, with both sides aiming to take sole control of Group K in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The two teams have each won their opening two matches and are level on six points. This third-round meeting begins a double-header between the sides, with the return fixture scheduled to take place in Rwanda four days later.

Kick-off is at 19:00 in Bamako and GMT, 21:00 in Kigali and 20:00 in France. The match will be played at the Stade du 26-Mars in the Malian capital.

Viewers in Mali can watch the game on New World Sport 6 and Canal+ Sport 1. In France, it will be shown live on beIN SPORTS MAX 5, with subscribers also able to stream the match through beIN SPORTS CONNECT.

The match represents an opportunity for either team to establish an early advantage in the group. Mali began their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Cape Verde before winning 1-0 away to Liberia.

Rwanda, managed by Stephen Constantine, also recorded two victories. The Amavubi defeated Liberia 3-1 and then followed that result with a 2-1 win against Cape Verde.

The teams have identical goal differences of plus three. Rwanda currently sit top of the group because they have scored five goals, compared with four for Mali.

Mali manager Anthony Da Silva has also spoken exclusively to Afrik-Foot ahead of the encounter. The Aigles may have a further option available in the shape of Mohamadou Kante of West Ham, who could make his first appearance for the national team.

Victory would give either Mali or Rwanda outright possession of first place in Group K, adding significance to the opening match of their two-game contest.

The return fixture will be played in Kigali on Tuesday, 17 November.