PETALING JAYA: Sabah striker Fergus Tierney has vowed to show no mercy when the Rhinos host Melaka in the second leg at Likas Stadium on Jan 22.
Sabah were held to a 2-2 draw in the first leg at the Hang Jebat Stadium on Saturday, with Tierney rescuing the visitors with a dramatic 88th-minute equaliser.
Despite the late goal, the 22-year-old national Under-23 forward was frustrated as he believed Sabah should have made their numerical advantage count after Melaka were reduced to 10 men for nearly half the match.
“We’re disappointed because we wanted to win. We played against 10 men for 45 minutes and a draw wasn’t enough,” said Tierney.
“At Likas, nothing but a win will make us happy.
“We have to do it for the supporters.
“We will respond at home.”
Melaka made a flying start when Sharel Fikri Md Fauzi struck just three minutes in.
Sabah responded well, with Ajdin Mujagic levelling the score in the 15th minute.
Melaka were down to 10-men when Bosnian midfielder Dino Kalesic was sent-off in the 45th minute for a high-challenge on winger S. Kumaahran.
However, the hosts regained the lead before the break through South Korean forward Park Kwang-il in the 38th minute.
Sabah pushed hard in the second half and were finally rewarded late on when Fergus found the net.
Fergus added that Melaka defended deep after the red card, making it difficult for Sabah to create clear chances.
“They closed down the middle and I was playing up front with Ajdin, waiting for the ball to come in. Credit to them – Melaka have good players and playing at home made it tough,” he said.
