Historic Yaya Touré becomes first African coach in Champions League league phase

Ivorian leads Slovan Bratislava through dramatic extra-time victory

Yaya Touré has become the first African head coach to lead a team into the UEFA Champions League league phase after Slovan Bratislava defeated Slovenian champions NK Celje 2-1 after extra time to progress 3-2 on aggregate.

The dramatic victory on Wednesday completed a landmark achievement for the Ivory Coast legend, who is in his first managerial position with the Slovak champions.

Slovan arrived in Slovenia knowing they needed a result after the first leg had ended 1-1 in Bratislava.

The tie remained finely balanced for most of the second leg before Slovan found the decisive goal in extra time.

Slovan survive Celje pressure

Sporar gives Slovan early advantage

Slovan took the lead in the 18th minute against the run of play.

Andraž Šporar received a long ball and showed composure to lift his finish over the goalkeeper, putting Touré’s side ahead in the tie.

Celje responded before the interval and were awarded a penalty shortly before half-time.

Svit Šešlar converted from the spot to bring the scores level on the night.

The Slovenian champions continued to push after the break as they looked for a goal that would turn the tie in their favour.

They came close when Yaya Dukuly’s effort struck the post, leaving Slovan under further pressure as the match moved towards the possibility of a penalty shootout.

However, the visitors found a way to settle the contest before penalties were required.

Decisive goal comes in extra time

Martínez sends Slovan into the league phase

With the tie still level and the prospect of penalties approaching, Slovan struck in the 100th minute.

Panamanian midfielder Cristian Martínez scored the decisive goal to give the Slovak side a 2-1 victory on the night and a 3-2 aggregate success.

The goal sparked celebrations on the Slovan bench and completed a memorable night for Touré.

The former Manchester City and Barcelona midfielder was appointed head coach of Slovan Bratislava in June 2026.

He signed a three-year contract after leaving his role as assistant coach of the Saudi Arabia national team.

The move represented his first opportunity to take charge of a club as a head coach.

Touré makes immediate impact

Five wins from six competitive matches

Touré’s start to life in management has been particularly impressive.

Slovan have won five of their six competitive matches since the former Ivory Coast international took charge, with Wednesday’s victory now securing their place among Europe’s leading clubs.

Touré enjoyed an illustrious playing career, winning three Premier League titles and the Champions League during his time on the pitch.

His latest achievement represents a different kind of milestone, this time from the dugout.

African coaches have previously worked at clubs competing in European competitions, but Touré’s success marks the first time an African head coach has guided a team into the Champions League league phase.

The achievement adds another significant chapter to his long association with European football.

Slovan prepare for Champions League campaign

Slovak champions await Thursday’s draw

Slovan Bratislava will now take part in the Champions League league phase for only the second time in the club’s history.

Their previous appearance came in the 2024-25 edition of the competition.

The club will discover their opponents when the league-phase draw takes place on Thursday.

For Touré, the result against Celje represents both a major achievement for Slovan and a landmark moment for African football.

After taking charge of the Slovak champions only two months ago, the Ivorian has already guided them to the league phase of Europe’s premier club competition.

His first managerial challenge has therefore produced an historic result, with Slovan now preparing to face some of the continent’s biggest clubs.