Didier Drogba limped off in the first half of Ivory Coast's World Cup warm-up match against Japan today.

The Elephants' key player went down under a heavy challenge from the Japan defender Tulio after 15 minutes which left him spreadeagled on the pitch.

After rising groggily to his feet, the Chelsea forward hobbled off clutching his groin and was replaced by Seydou Doumbia.

Ivory Coast were leading 1-0 after Drogba's free-kick was deflected into his own goal by Tulio in the 13th minute.

The Africans face Brazil, Portugal and North Korea in World Cup Group G.