Switzerland has drawn 1-1 with the Ivory Coast in an international friendly warm-up match at St Jakob Park on Saturday as both nations continued their World Cup preparations.

The Swiss took the lead after 32 minutes with a strike from Bayer Leverkusen’s Tranquillo Barnetta and went into half-time deserving the lead.

The Ivorian Elephants drew level just after half-time through substitute Emerse Fae, who had only been on the pitch for a couple of minutes, to the delight of the travelling fans.

Swiss midfielder Hakan Yakin, recalled to the Swiss squad to replace injured striker Johan Vonlanthen after having been controversially left-out from the original 23-man-squad, took no part in the game but watched from the stands.

When questioned why he had not played the veteran Swiss player, Swiss head coach Köbi Kuhn said: “Hakan is one player of the 23-strong team, not more not less.

“He is a part of the team and that’s all there is to it.”

Switzerland have been drawn in Group G for the World Cup alongside South Korea, France and World Cup newcomers Togo.

Ivory Coast will also be making their debut at the World Cup Finals, and will play in Group C along with Argentina, Serbia and Montenegro and the Netherlands.

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