Laba Kodjo scored a hat trick to propel Al Ain to a 5-1 win over Khorfakkan on Saturday, lifting them to the top of the UAE Pro League standings. Kaku, who had scored in consecutive opening match-weeks, gave Al Ain a well-deserved lead after receiving a precise pass from Matias Palacios and finishing with his left foot. Just before halftime, Kaku switched roles from scorer to provider, setting up Soufian Rahimi to breach Khorfakkan's defense and score. Al Ain continued to pressure Khorfakkan, and Kodjo began his 2024-25 season tally by heading in Rahimi's cross ten minutes into the second half. The Togolese striker reached the 100th-goal milestone as he was assisted by Rahimi inside the box, driving the ball into the bottom corner. Jonatan Viera briefly reduced the deficit for Khorfakkan in the 66th minute, but Kodjo sealed his hat trick with a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area in the 73rd minute.
Meanwhile, Sharjah secured a commanding 4-1 victory over Dibba Al-Hisn at Saqr bin Mohammad al Qassimi Stadium. Caio Lucas opened the scoring for Sharjah with a diving header after 36 minutes, following an excellent cross from Khaled Ebraheim Aldhanhani. Ousmane Camara's unstoppable strike in first-half stoppage time doubled Sharjah's lead. Luan Pereira added a third goal just before the break, heading in Aldhanhani's cross. Sharjah was awarded a penalty in the 72nd minute, and despite M. Ben Alarbi's shot hitting the post, Camara headed in the rebound. Dibba Al Hisn managed a consolation goal when Joao Vitor capitalized on a defensive error to score.
Al Wasl's title defense got off to a shaky start with a 2-2 draw against Kalba. Despite a brace from Fabio De Lima, Al Wasl failed to secure the win, as Kalba scored late to earn a crucial draw in the season opener. Shabab Al Ahli began their campaign with a dramatic 2-1 win over Al Bataeh at Rashid Stadium. The match featured high intensity and dramatic twists, with all goals coming in the second half. Al Bataeh took the lead through Anatole Bertrand, but Shabab Al Ahli quickly equalized through Munas Dabbur. In stoppage time, Sardar Azmoum scored the winning goal, redeeming himself after a missed opportunity earlier.
Bani Yas started their season with a significant 2-0 win over Al Jazira at Bani Yas Stadium. This victory marked a strong start for Bani Yas and ended a long winless streak against Al Jazira. The first half was tightly contested and goalless, but Bani Yas took control in the second half. Juan Bauza scored the opener in the 55th minute, assisted by Fawaz Awana. Bani Yas doubled their lead in the 77th minute when Arnaud Lusamba set up Youssoufou Niakate, who secured the win. Al Jazira struggled to respond, and Bani Yas defended their lead until the final whistle.
