Myanmar are heading into a FIFA World Cup 26™ qualifying double-header with Macau under the experienced guidance of Michael Feichtenbeiner.

With a coaching career spanning three decades, including spells managing the German national team at U-15 and U-17 level, Feichtenbeiner is now on a mission to lead Myanmar toward the second round of AFC prelimininaries.

The journey commences with a two-legged encounter against the 185th-ranked Selecção do Lótus, with the first clash scheduled for 12 October at Yangon’s Thuwunna Stadium.

Feichtenbeiner, who took charge in March on a two-year contract, faces this challenge with limited time to imprint his style, but boundless enthusiasm.

“We are very committed and motivated to go through, but I have vast experience in football and we can’t underestimate Macau,” asserted the German.

While Myanmar secured a morale-boosting win against Macau in June, he is guarding against complacency. “It bolsters our confidence, but we have to take this match seriously,” he adds.

The veteran’s tenure with the Myanmar national team comes with its share of challenges, notably the limited time available to work with players, many of whom play abroad.

“It’s regrettable that I require more training time to convey our playing philosophy,” he lamented, highlighting the constraints of working with players who often join the national squad only days before a match.