Laba Kodjo's Historic Ascent: Surpassing the 'Gazelle' Legend and Etching His Name in the Annals of Leadership

Togolese Striker Makes History as Al Ain's All-Time Leading Scorer

Laba Kodjo has etched his name into Al Ain FC folklore, surpassing club legend Ahmed Abdullah to become the UAE club's all-time leading scorer with his 125th goal. The Togolese striker achieved the milestone through a hat-trick that powered Al Ain to a commanding 3-0 victory over Khor Fakkan in the UAE Pro League, temporarily lifting his team to the top of the table.

A Record-Breaking Performance Under the Lights

The historic moment arrived in the 79th minute at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium when Kodjo converted a penalty kick to claim his 125th goal for Al Ain. The achievement broke the long-standing record held by Ahmed Abdullah, nicknamed "Ghazal Al Ain" (The Gazelle of Al Ain), who now serves as an assistant coach for the club.

In a touching display of sportsmanship spanning generations, Kodjo immediately ran to the bench to celebrate with Abdullah, creating an emotional scene that captured the essence of football's continuity. The stadium erupted as nearly 4,000 spectators witnessed history in the making.

The Complete Performance

Kodjo's hat-trick showcased his complete striking ability. He opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time with a powerful shot from inside the penalty area, doubled the lead with a precise header in the 58th minute, and sealed both his personal milestone and the victory from the penalty spot.

The striker was substituted just three minutes after his historic goal, leaving the field to thunderous applause from both sets of supporters and teammates who formed a guard of honor.

Broader Implications for UAE Football

Kodjo's achievement represents more than individual success—it highlights the UAE Pro League's evolution as a destination for talented African players. His consistency over multiple seasons demonstrates the league's growing stability and competitive standards.

The record also underscores Al Ain's sustained excellence in UAE football. Having reached the FIFA Club World Cup final in 2018—finishing as runners-up to Real Madrid—the club continues to set benchmarks domestically while maintaining continental ambitions.

League Leadership and Title Implications

The victory propelled Al Ain to the summit of the UAE Pro League with 10 points from four matches, though their position remains provisional pending the outcome of the clash between Al Nasr and Shabab Al Ahli. This early-season momentum could prove crucial in what promises to be a competitive title race.

For Khor Fakkan, the defeat leaves them with four points as they adjust to top-flight football's demands. Despite the loss, their supporters showed admirable loyalty, with approximately 40 fans making the journey to support their team.

A Moment of Pure Sportsmanship

The evening's most memorable moment came after the final whistle when Said Ahmed, a former Al Ain player now representing Khor Fakkan, presented Kodjo with the match ball in recognition of his historic hat-trick. Such gestures remind us why football transcends mere competition.

Al Ain's supporters created an atmosphere befitting the occasion, displaying banners celebrating their club's heritage, including references to their 2018 Club World Cup achievement and their identity as "Al Umma Al Ainaweya" (The Al Ain Nation).

Kodjo's milestone represents the culmination of years of consistent excellence and positions him among the UAE Pro League's most significant foreign contributors. As Al Ain eyes another domestic title, their record-breaking striker has provided the perfect foundation for their campaign.