AN under-strength National Under-23 side turned in a commendable performance before going down 1-0 to Saudi Arabian professional club Al-Qadisiya in Damman yesterday.

Captain and defender Aidil Zafuan Abd Radzak and midfield duo Bunyamin Umar and Shakir Ali were rested due to injur ies.

Coach K. Rajagobal said he tried out several fringe players in the match.

“I tested several players and strategies. The end result is not important as they played to my expectations,” said the coach when contacted in Damman.

“We let in a soft goal as a result of K.

Gur usamy’s back pass. Overall, the players created several scoring opportunities which is a positive sign.” Among the players tested were third choice goalkeeper Mohd Sharbinee Ramli, Ahmad Shakir Ali and Gur usamy.

Al-Qadisiya, a club based in Khobar, fielded their best including Argentina- born striker Ruben Dario Gigena.

The club are currently 11th in the 12-team Saudi Arabian Professional League.

Meanwhile, Rajagobal hopes his three regulars (Aidil, Bunyamin, Shakir) will be fit for the friendly against Jordan on S at u r d ay.

“They are showing signs of recovering and should be available. I will field my best players for the Jordan match,” said Rajagobal.

Malaysia can expect a hot reception in Amman as the hosts, ranked 122 in the world, are expected to name their top players including Spain-based striker Thaer Fayed Bawab who plays for CD Alfaro, a Spanish lower division club, in Aidil Zafuan was rested due to injury. Saturday ’s match.