Despite looking fragile at times which could prove costly in upcoming tournaments. Ahmad Fakri Saraani's seventh minute strike did provide a glimpse of the team's potential.
They looked comfortable on the ball once they had found their rhythm. But there was too much desperate defending and ball chasing to suggest they could prove a surprise package at the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers Asian Zone Qualifying campaign.
Etoile, the defending S-League champions, could have won the match if they had been sharper in front of goal. There were many faults in Malaysia's game, especially with their leaky defence, led by Aidil Zafuan Abd Radzak, which allowed the Etoile strikers to dictate terms especially in the second half.
However, fans should not be alarmed with Malaysia's performance on Saturday as Rajagobal was trying out new players and strategies.
The coach is hoping to create more options in terms of having a bigger pool of players ahead of the World Cup Qualifiers.
Rajagobal has done it before ahead of the 2009 Laos Sea Games and last December's AFF Cup, which subsequently helped his side lift both titles.
"I am happy with what I saw in the players today (Saturday). They showed commitment and dedication throughout the match," Rajagobal, 54, told Astro Arena at Jalan Besar Stadium after the match.
"As it was only a practice match, I took the opportunity to test all my players. I wanted to see whether they, especially the new ones, were able to maintain their composure and pace."
Among the players Rajagobal tested for the first time this year were Selangor midfielder Azidan Sarudin and Kelantan centreback Mohd Rizal Fahmi Rosid, both playing in their first senior match, and Kedah Baddrol Bakhtiar, who is back after a long layoff due to injury, with a brief second half appearance.
Rajagobal said the team played well but were guilty of losing their focus on occasions. "There are areas that need to be rectified. My players must learn to keep their focus throughout the 90 minutes," added Rajagobal.
"It was a difficult match as my team were against a French club who had bigger and taller players. But I am happy we played them as the experience will help my boys get use to playing physically stronger players."
Malaysia's opponents in the first round of the World Cup Asian Zone Qualifiers will be known on Wednesday. The two-leg first round qualifiers are on June 29 and July 3.
Rajagobal's side are also scheduled to play quality matches when they host English Premier League giants Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool in a 10-day football festival in Kuala Lumpur in July.
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