Israel was held yesterday (Wednesday) to a 2:2 draw against Ivory Coast in Ramat-Gan in a friendly match after leading 2:0.

Isarel scored twice in 6 minutes. Elayaniv Barda (18) and Omer Golan (24) set Israel off to a great start from Yossi Benayoun's assists.

Ivory Coast pulled one back on 32th minute when Emerse Fae kick was deflected by Avi Strool, 2:1 in half time.

Ivory Coast got closer to tie the match, until 5 minutes from time, Boubacar Sanogo finally equalized, 2:2.

Israel will now host Hungary for another friendly match on February 2009 before meeting Greece twice on March.

Israel u21 team lost 2:3 to Serbia in a friendly match. Nemanja Matic (2) and Marko Milinkovic gave Serbia a 3:0 lead on half time. Mouhamad Gadir and David Biton were only able to pull 2 back.