Yaya Touré Makes History as First African Manager in UCL League Phase

Manchester City and Ivory Coast legend Yaya Touré has made history by becoming the first African manager to lead a club into the UEFA Champions League league phase.

Touré achieved the feat on Wednesday after his Slovakian side, Slovan Bratislava, defeated Slovenian club Celje 2-1 after extra time in the second leg of their final qualifying-round tie. The victory secured a 3-2 aggregate win for Slovan.

Andraž Šporar gave Slovan the lead in the 18th minute before Celje equalised through Svit Šešlar from the penalty spot in the 34th minute.

The decisive moment came in the 100th minute when Cristian Martínez scored to put Touré's side ahead and seal qualification for the league phase.

The achievement places Touré ahead of Nigerian coach Ndubuisi Egbo, who guided Albanian club FK Tirana through the Champions League qualifying rounds in 2020 but did not reach the group stage.

Touré, 43, took charge of Slovan Bratislava in July 2026 in his first senior managerial position. He has also made an impressive start domestically, with Slovan winning each of its opening four Slovak League matches this season.

The former Barcelona and Manchester City midfielder enjoyed a decorated playing career, winning the Champions League with Barcelona in 2009 and three Premier League titles with Manchester City.

At international level, Touré helped Ivory Coast win the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

Following his retirement, he worked in various coaching roles, including with Standard Liège, the Saudi Arabia national team and Tottenham Hotspur's academy.

Slovan Bratislava will discover its opponents for the Champions League league phase when the draw takes place on Thursday.