Slovan Bratislava: Yaya Touré on the brink of Champions League history

26.08.26 15:00 Champions League

NK Celje

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Slovan Bratislava

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Yaya Touré is just 90 minutes away from writing his name in the history books of African and European football.

A decisive play-off for the history books

If he leads Slovan Bratislava to the Champions League group stage, the former Barcelona and Manchester City midfielder will become the first African head coach to reach this phase of Europe's premier club competition. The mission is clear: beat Celje in Slovenia. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw. A win tonight would be enough to send the Slovakian club through to the Champions League proper.

A thunderous start to his tenure

This is Yaya Touré's first experience as a head coach. Already, his record commands respect. In 9 matches across all competitions, the Ivorian legend has racked up 7 wins and 2 draws. The attack is firing on all cylinders with 22 goals scored and only 4 conceded.

In the league, Slovan are dominating as well. The club currently sits firmly atop the Nike Liga. But beyond the numbers, the stakes reach far beyond Bratislava. No African manager has ever led a team into the Champions League group stage. Against Celje, Touré has the chance to smash through that glass ceiling.

Nafongo TRAORE |

News Editorfr, ar, en

Nafongon Moussa TRAORE, Burkinabè de 25 ans, est passionné de football, est rédacteur pour Foot Africa et commentateur pour BurkiFoot.

Related teams and leagues

NK Celje

Slovan Bratislava

Champions League