PETALING JAYA: As Malaysia gear up for a decisive Group F clash against Thailand in the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup qualifiers today, all eyes are on Fergus Tierney – the towering 1.86m forward who has quickly become a key figure for Harimau Muda.
Tierney, 22, has been in red-hot form, netting a hattrick against Mongolia in Malaysia’s 7-0 rout on Saturday.
It was the perfect response after a disappointing opening game against Lebanon, where they lost 0-1, and the Sabah striker believes the team are carrying a strong momentum into the showdown with their regional rivals.
“The preparation has been good, we’ve been recovering well and are planning for a big game against Thailand,” said Tierney.
“The first game was a major setback for us. However, we bounced back well against Mongolia and will try to bring that momentum into the next game.”
But for Tierney, this clash carries an added edge. Having spent two seasons in Thailand with Chonburi and Nakhon Pathom United, he’ll be up against several familiar faces – former teammates who were once allies but are now rivals.
“Yeah, I have quite a few former teammates in the Thailand squad. It’s going to be good to see some old friends, but on the pitch we are rivals,” he said with a grin.
“My good friend Yotsakon Burapha (his former Chonburi teammate, now plying his trade with Singaporean club Hougang United) will be nice to play against!”
Since making his Malaysia Under-23 debut in 2022, Tierney has earned 16 caps and scored seven goals.
He also has six appearances and one goal for the senior national team.
His steady rise from Johor Darul Ta’zim II to the Super League with Sabah has been matched by his growing influence in the national set-up.
While personal milestones matter, Tierney remains focused on the collective.
“It’s always nice to contribute with goals and assists, but the most important thing is that the team played well and got three points. Hopefully I can contribute next game too.”
