Champions League: Yaya Touré becomes the first African coach to reach the league phase

26.08.26 AET Champions League

NK Celje

1

:

Slovan Bratislava

2

Yaya Touré has written his name into Champions League history. The Ivorian is the first African coach to lead a team into the competition’s league phase.

Yaya Touré continues to write a new chapter in his remarkable football story. In charge of Slovan Bratislava since June, the former Ivorian midfielder has guided the Slovak club into the Champions League league phase. After a 1-1 draw in the first leg, Slovan Bratislava won 2-1 away at Celje in the second leg, securing their place in Europe’s elite competition. It was a historic qualification for the 43-year-old coach, who remains unbeaten since taking charge.

Ten games and still unbeaten

In his first weeks on the Slovan Bratislava bench, Yaya Touré has produced an impressive record. In 10 competitive matches, his team have yet to lose, recording eight wins and two draws.

That run has allowed him to overcome several European hurdles and put Slovan Bratislava among the teams that will compete in the new Champions League league phase. The qualification against Celje capped the impressive run, with Slovan securing a 2-1 victory in the closing stages.

Beyond the results, the achievement confirms Touré's promising start to his coaching career. After starring for FC Barcelona, Manchester City and the Ivory Coast national team as a player, the former Elephants captain is now making his mark from the dugout.

Ndubuisi Egbo had already paved the way

Yaya Touré is now the first African coach to lead a team into the Champions League league phase. His achievement should be distinguished from that of Ndubuisi Egbo, who had already made history in 2020.

The Nigerian became the first African coach to manage a team in the Champions League when he took charge of KF Tirana. However, his team failed to reach the group stage.

Touré has now gone one step further. Just months after beginning his coaching journey at Slovan Bratislava, the Ivorian has delivered a historic qualification for the Slovak club and added another milestone to African football history. A new European adventure now awaits him against the continent’s best teams.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

Related teams and leagues

NK Celje

Slovan Bratislava

Champions League