Kodjo Laba continues top scorer pace as Al Ain remain top in UAE Pro League

UAE Pro League top scorer Kodjo Laba was at it again on Thursday for league leaders Al Ain, scoring the equalizing goal in an eventual 2-1 victory at Al Dhafra.

الـVAR يؤكد الهدف 🖥️✅

فريق العين يعادل النتيجة بهدف من النجم كودجو لابا في شباك الظفرة ⚽🟣#الظفرة_العين#دوري_أدنوك_للمحترفين pic.twitter.com/3LRQYnFqrS

— ADSportsTV (@ADSportsTV) January 8, 2026

The Togolese goal machine finished from a cross by Matías Palacios early in the second half to cancel out the first half opening goal from Al Dhafra playmaker Jobson. The Brazilian converted from the penalty spot to put the midtable side ahead.

But Laba’s finish inspired a dominant second half from visitors Al Ain, who are now six points clear at the top of the table. Former Wydad AC attacker Nassim Chadli completed the comeback late on when the Moroccan finished from the rebound after a free kick went off the post of the Al Dhafra goal.

فريق العين يتقدم بالنتيجة بهدف من نسيم الشاذلي بعد متابعة رائعة من تسديدة مرتدة بالقائم 🟣⚽#الظفرة_العين#دوري_أدنوك_للمحترفين pic.twitter.com/RtXhJB1EXm

— ADSportsTV (@ADSportsTV) January 8, 2026

Kodjo Laba now has 13 goals in 12 league matches to continue his legendary scoring rate in Emirati football. Last season’s UAE Pro League top scorer is well on pace to lead the league in goals for the fifth time in his career after finishing atop the scoring charts three previous times (2024-25, 2022-23, 2021-22, 2019-20).

Thursday’s goal brings Laba’s total to an astounding 131 goals in 141 UAE Pro League appearances since joining Al Ain in June 2019 from Moroccan club RS Berkane. During his time at the club, the Togolese striker won the Pro League (2021-22) as well as the UAE League Cup the same season and an AFC Champions League title (2023-24).

التاريخـي لابـا كـودجـو مع العين 🟣🌟

141 مباراة 👟
131 هدف ⚽️

⚜️ لعلها الصفقة الأفضل في تاريخ النادي (القيمة مقابل المردود).

⚠️ لا يوجد لاعب حقق لقب الهداف 3 مرات في آخر 4 مواسم في جميع الدوريات. pic.twitter.com/xVtzYGKLgb

— 🇦🇪 سدّد (@UAEkick) January 8, 2026