Akanji helps Switzerland qualify for EURO 2024 | OneFootball

Manuel Akanji and Switzerland celebrate in front of a home crowd as their 1-1 draw with Kosovo sees them qualify for EURO 2024.

With the reverse fixture memorable for it's late drama as Kosovo stole a point with an added time equaliser in their 2-2 draw, Switzerland expected another tough game.

Murat Yakin’s side started the strongest with three chances inside the opening 10 minutes with Ulisses Garcia and Ruben Vargas looking to give their nation an early lead.

Akanji and the rest of the Swiss defensive line looked organised and made it difficult for Kosovo to attack by also dominating possession.

The City centre-back denied Kosovo from having any shots on target despite Elbasan Rashani’s best efforts to give Kosovo the lead with a headed attempt which went wide shortly before half-time.

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In the second half, Switzerland knew they needed to up the intensity. And it paid off with Kosovo caught on the back foot in the opening two minutes as Vargas's header rippled the net.

Chances continued to flow for the hosts but good goalkeeping and defending by Kosovo kept Switzerland at bay.

The visitors were patient and looked for the right opportunity to strike.

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And Muhamet Hyseni did just that after he picked up the ball inside the penalty area before placing his shot into the bottom right corner to level the score with eight minutes left to play.

Switzerland still looked to secure all three points but were unable to get past keeper Visar Bekaj in the closing moments.

The point sees Akanji and Switzerland guarantee second place and their spot at EURO 2024.