Senegalese striker Mbaye Niang produced a standout performance to help Gençlerbirliği secure a 2-2 draw against Alanyaspor in the Turkish Süper Lig on Saturday.
Niang, who returned to Turkish football during the summer transfer window, showed signs of resurgence as he delivered both a goal and an assist.
The 29-year-old forward, determined to revive his career, started his second consecutive match for the newly promoted side and delivered a decisive display.
The former Adana Demirspor striker had already created an assist in the previous league match against Kayserispor.
He continued that strong form against Alanyaspor on 4 October, playing a central role in Gençlerbirliği’s comeback.
Alanyaspor took the lead early, but Gençlerbirliği refused to back down.
Niang stepped up in the second half to lead the fightback. In the 66th minute, he provided a precise cross to Zan Zuzek, who converted to make it 1-1.
The equaliser reignited the home side’s confidence, though Alanyaspor quickly restored their advantage.
Gençlerbirliği pushed forward again, and their persistence paid off with 15 minutes remaining.
Niang won a penalty and confidently converted it in the 76th minute, scoring his first goal for the club.
His strike secured a valuable point and underlined his growing influence in the team.
Coach Hüseyin Eroğlu praised Niang’s contribution after the match, highlighting his leadership and experience on the pitch.
The Senegalese forward’s decisive performance offered a glimpse of the qualities that once made him a key figure in European football.
Niang, who previously played for clubs such as AC Milan, Torino, Rennes, and Bordeaux, aims to use this new chapter in Turkey to reignite his career.
His immediate impact suggests he could become a vital asset in Gençlerbirliği’s campaign to maintain their top-flight status.
The draw leaves Gençlerbirliği with renewed confidence as they continue their fight for points in the Süper Lig.
Niang’s form could prove crucial as the season progresses, especially for a team seeking stability after promotion.
Fans welcomed his display, celebrating both his creativity and finishing. His ability to influence key moments reflects the experience he brings to a young squad.
As he gains more match fitness and sharpness, Gençlerbirliği supporters hope for more decisive contributions from their Senegalese forward.
Niang’s journey back to form remains a work in progress, but performances like this show he is on the right path.
His combination of vision, movement, and composure in front of goal could play a pivotal role in Gençlerbirliği’s ambitions this season.
With one goal and two assists in his first two appearances, Niang has already proven his worth.
His latest heroics underline that he still has much to offer at the top level.
🚨 M’Baye Niang 76′ (Pen.)
Süper Lig | 🇹🇷 Gençlerbirliği 2-2 Alanyasporpic.twitter.com/yR1xnmZMxR
— Goals Xtra (@GoalsXtra) October 4, 2025
