MYANMAR football fans and local analysts say they are realistic about the national team’s chances of defeating China on October 21 but expect the encounter against one of Asia’s top teams to provide valuable experience.

Being forced to play a World Cup first-round qualifier for the first time after being seeded outside the region’s top five, China have a point to prove against Myanmar – even more so given their humiliating exit from the group stage of the Asian Cup in July.

But with Myanmar participating in their first ever World Cup qualifier in Foshan, Guangdong province this coming Sunday, the experience and willingness to compete should add to Myanmar’s long-term football development, pundits in Yangon said.

“Our rivals in Southeast Asia regularly take part in World Cup qualifying matches and that helps makes them powerful teams in the region,” said renowned Myanmar sports writer Takahashi.

“Now Myanmar is taking this first step to make football history.”

The Myanmar Football Federation last week declined to comment on the team’s prospects or development, continuing their refusal to allow Brazilian head coach Marcos Falopa to grant an interview since Myanmar’s 3-1 loss to hosts Malaysia in the Merdeka Cup final in August.

However, Takahashi said Myanmar’s Merdeka performance had highlighted areas the team needed to improve upon before facing the Chinese on Sunday and again a week later, with defence in particular being a challenge against physically stronger opponents.

“If they could fix this weak point, the result might not be so bad, otherwise we could end up conceding a lot of goals,” said Takahashi, currently a freelance sports writer.

“Basically, our team aren’t nearly as strong as China, and everybody is well aware of this.

“But whatever the result, Myanmar is sure to get some valuable experience from the game.”

U Zaw Myo, a football enthusiast in his 50s, said he was well aware the match might be one-sided but insisted there was plenty of support here for the squad regardless of the intimidating opposition.

“To beat China is too much for us. But what Myanmar football fans really want is to be the champion in Southeast Asia. In this mission, the game against China will help us and it will definitely be useful for the coming SEA (Southeast Asian) Games in December,” said U Zaw Myo, a regular at Myanmar League matches.

One factor working in Myanmar’s favour will be the absence of China captain Zheng Zhi, who has been denied national duty by his English club, Charlton Athletic, because the games fall outside the international window.

U Zaw Myo said he was looking forward to the second leg of the qualifiers should it be hosted in Myanmar in accordance with August’s draw by the Asian Football Confederation.

“Home support is crucial for the team,” he said.

The MFF, however, said last week it was still undecided whether Myanmar would host China on October 28.