UAE hero Ali Mabkhout intends to use his stellar scoring exploits as inspiration after receiving a Guiness Book of Records award for the Asian Cup’s fastest-ever goal.
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The 24-year-old finished with aplomb just 14 seconds into the Whites’ second Group C fixture last month, helping his nation to a 2-1 victory against Bahrain that secured qualfication to the quarterfinals.
Mabkhout was in lethal form throughout the tournament, his five strikes making him overall top scorer during his nation’s run to third place.
The Al Jazira forward’s historic achievement was recognised yesterday, an official from the world renowed Guinness Book of Records presenting him with a certificate acknowledging his speedy strike.
Mabkhout looked to the future when commenting on the award, using it as encouragement for domestic and international glory.
He said: “This award gives me motivation to put more effort and hard work in to the future, with Al Jazira in both the Arabian Gulf League and President’s Cup and with the UAE’s national team in the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifiers, which start next June.
“[Against Bahrain] We were looking for a win to ensure qualification to the second round of the tournament and we were able to achieve the third place and the bronze medal.”
Mabkhout will be a key figure on Sunday as the Pride of Abu Dhabi face a top-of-the-table clash at new AGL leaders Al Ain.
