Mali beats Cape Verde in opening AFCON 2027 qualifier

Match summary

On Friday, September 25, Mali hosted Cape Verde at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako in the first round of Group K in the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers. The match was officiated by referee Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo.

Mali took the lead in just the 4th minute through Martial Tia. Cape Verde responded quickly, with Sidny Cabral equalizing in the 9th minute. Mali regained the lead in the 39th minute when Dorgeles Nene converted from a corner kick, according to VAVEL's live match coverage. Based on available reporting, the match finished 2-1 in Mali's favor.

Statistics compiled by the BBC show Mali dominating most categories: 60.2% possession against Cape Verde's 39.8%, 10 shots to 1, four shots on target to one, and three corners to none.

Lineups and coaches

Mali lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation led in attack by Traore, with Diarra in goal. The team is coached by Anthony da Silva (referred to as "Tony" in one source). Cape Verde set up in a 4-3-3 system with veteran goalkeeper Vozinha and forward Mendes leading the line, under head coach Humberto Bettencourt, who took over after former manager Bubista's departure.

Background

Cape Verde arrives at this qualifying campaign fresh off a historic milestone: a debut appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the "Blue Sharks" advanced to the Round of 32 after a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia, becoming the second-smallest nation by population ever to reach the World Cup, behind only Iceland. Their run ended against Lionel Messi's Argentina. Ahead of the Mali match, Cape Verde beat Serbia 3-0 in a friendly, according to beIN SPORTS.

Group K also includes Rwanda and Liberia, with six matchdays to be played home and away; the top two teams qualify for AFCON 2027, to be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from June 19 to July 17, 2027.

Both sides face a tight schedule ahead: on September 29, Mali travels to face Liberia, while Cape Verde hosts Rwanda at home.