South Africa's Kianga makes Champions League breakthrough with Toure

Manasseh Kianga, 24, scored the winning goal on his UEFA Champions League debut as Slovan Bratislava beat Mjällby to reach the final qualifying round. The South African forward has now recorded three goals and two assists in his first five matches for the Slovakian champions.

Kianga came off the bench in the qualifier in Sweden and settled the tie in the 90th minute. His decisive contribution came after coach Yaya Toure had told him to use his brief appearance to change the match and find the net.

The former Black Aces Academy player said Toure had first spoken to him about his preferred position after he joined Slovan shortly before the new season. Kianga explained that he could operate as either a striker or winger, while also describing himself as a player who enjoys moving into space, creating opportunities and finishing them.

Toure ultimately selected the right wing as his main role. The coach believed Kianga’s ability to receive the ball, beat defenders and influence attacks made him better suited to that position than a role focused mainly on finishing chances.

Kianga had been with the squad for less than two weeks before the Swedish qualifier, while the other players had completed a full pre-season with the team and technical staff. Toure therefore told him he would begin on the bench, a decision Kianga accepted as part of adapting to a squad containing established quality.

His route to the Champions League has been rapid. After leaving South Africa for England at 17, he played non-league football but could not progress into the professional game because of work-permit problems. He later entered Slovakian football with third-tier side Locomotive Kosice before earning his move to Slovan.

Slovan’s reward for overcoming Mjällby is a two-leg meeting with NK Celje for a place in the Champions League league phase. The first leg is scheduled for this evening at Tehelné Pole, with kick-off set for 21:00.