The Lambert twins aim for a historic milestone with Malaysia against the Vietnam national team

The twin brothers Declan and Ryan Lambert could make history by both starting for Malaysia in the Asian Cup Group F qualifier match against the Vietnam national team at 19:00 on March 31 at Thiên Trường Stadium (Ninh Bình).

The 28-year-old brothers are part of the Malaysia national team squad that arrived in Vietnam last evening, March 28.

While defender Declan has already made five appearances for the Malaysia national team, his younger brother Ryan, a midfielder, is competing for a spot in the starting lineup.

Declan stated they must strive to turn the rare possibility of both twins starting in an international match into reality.

"There is a lot of competition… This is a very strong squad of players, especially in my position.

You have to perform and try your best in training to impress the coaching staff," Declan shared.

This versatile defender has played 140 matches at club level in Australia, the Netherlands, and Malaysia, including over 60 appearances in the M-League.

"I think I'm doing quite well… I've been playing well, that's a positive thing to try to maintain that form."

Currently playing on loan at KL City from Johor Darul Ta'zim, Declan is helping the club compete for a top-two position in the Super League.

"It's a new experience, competing for the second spot. It's great, but there's also added pressure," he said.

This match is procedural as the Vietnam national team has already secured qualification for the Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia next year.

Malaysia previously led Group F before the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) awarded losses for the matches against Vietnam and Nepal due to using ineligible players, thereby ending their hopes of advancing.

"This is a difficult match, clearly Malaysia has been eliminated but this is still an important match for us.

It's all about proving that we can still compete and display Malaysian pride," Declan shared with reporters from News Strait Times today.