Yaya Touré makes history as Slovan Bratislava reaches Champions League league phase

Ivory Coast football legend Yaya Touré has etched his name into the history of African football after guiding Slovak champions Slovan Bratislava into the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League league phase.

Touré achieved the landmark feat on Wednesday night after Slovan Bratislava defeated Slovenian champions NK Celje 2-1 after extra time in the second leg of their qualifying play-off, securing a 3-2 aggregate victory.

The dramatic encounter at Arena Z’dežele in Celje remained undecided after 90 minutes, with both teams locked at 1-1 on the night. Slovan eventually produced the decisive moment in extra time when Cristian Martínez scored in the 100th minute to send the Slovak side through to the league phase.

Slovan had entered the second leg with the tie finely poised following a 1-1 draw in the opening leg in Bratislava. The visitors took the lead in the 18th minute when Andraž Šporar lifted the ball over goalkeeper Žan Leban.

Celje responded before half-time after being awarded a penalty, with Svit Sešlar converting to level the match and leave the aggregate score tied.

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The Slovenian champions continued to threaten after the interval and came close to taking control of the tie, but Slovan survived the pressure before Martínez settled the contest in extra time.

The victory represents a major milestone for Touré, who only recently embarked on his first senior managerial assignment after a distinguished playing career with clubs including Barcelona and Manchester City.

Appointed to lead Slovan Bratislava in 2026, the former Ivory Coast international has made an immediate impact, guiding the club into one of the most prestigious competitions in European football.

UEFA had noted ahead of the second leg that Touré had already made 70 Champions League appearances as a player, highlighting his extensive experience at the highest level of European club football.

Touré breaks new African coaching record

By leading Slovan into the Champions League league phase, Touré has become the first African head coach to achieve the feat.

His achievement builds on the pioneering work of Nigerian coach Ndubuisi Egbo, who made history in 2020 when he guided Albanian club KF Tirana into the Champions League qualifying rounds.

Egbo became the first African coach to win a UEFA Champions League match when Tirana defeated Dinamo Tbilisi 2-0 during the qualifying rounds. However, his side did not progress to the main group or league phase of the competition.

Touré has now taken the next step by guiding a European club into the main phase of the competition, creating a landmark moment for African coaches on the continent’s biggest club stage.

From Champions League winner to history-making coach

Touré’s achievement carries additional significance given his own illustrious history in the competition as a player.

The Ivorian was a key member of Manchester City’s squad that won the Champions League and enjoyed an outstanding career in European football. He also represented Barcelona at the highest level before moving to Manchester City, where he became one of the club’s most influential midfielders.

His transition from celebrated midfielder to coach is now producing another significant chapter in his football career.