The NSW All Stars beat the Libyan national team 1-0 in their exhibition soccer match in Sydney.

Central Coast Mariners defender Andrew Clark netted the winner in the third minute against the Libyan side who are visiting Australia to maintain fitness ahead of a key World Cup qualifier with Egypt next month.

Libyan football chairman and son of his country's president Saadi Gaddafi missed the match due to injury but the Perugia player will hope for a better outcome when Libya returns to Edensor Park for the second match of their Australian trip to face Sydney United on Sunday.

NSW coach Branko Culina praised the commitment of his players while admitting the future looked bright for the new A League after beating an international side.

"It's not everyday you beat a team of international class and one I think can qualify for the World Cup," said Culina.

"Libya are a very good team and we saw that tonight.

"But the commitment of our players was excellent.

"The public should be excited that we can beat a team of this level and it's certainly a good sign for the new A League.

"They had chances but we scored one and missed a penalty and played some good football so it's a compliment to our players."

Libya missed numerous chances to punish the home team.

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