Substitute Hinsa Issoufou strike two minutes from time gave the Niger a dramatic 2-1 victory over Senegal in a Group B opening round of the 2017 WAFU Cup of Nations match on Friday.

Issofou stole the victory at the death when he retuned home a low right wing cross for the winning goal.

Victorien Adje had give the Malians a 1-0 lead with the quickest goal ever for the Eagles in a WAFU match.

He netted just 28th minute into the match, breaking into the penalty area and striking home a left-footed shot past sprawling Senegal goalkeeper Ndiaye.

“We have a great spirit and (we) fight until the last second,” Niger coach Francois Zahoui Gagui Victor said. “There is undoubtedly things that we need to improve. At the end of the day we got the three points.”

After a frustrating first quarter of the match Senegal threatened when Hainikoye Boubacar broke through on goal but fired straight to keeper.

Ten minitues later Senegal attacker again when Assane Mbodji made a quick turn inside the area but his shot went over the bar.

The Teranga Lions efforts were finally rewarded on the hour mark when Assane Mbodji scored from Douda Diame cross.

Nigers spent much of the second half chasing the ball and only mustered a Victorien 88th minute goal that was easily saved by Hinsonfou’ stunning goal, his first in an international match.