Roy Krishna and Sterling Vasconcellos fire Fiji past PNG to revive MSG Cup final hopes

Fiji finally claimed their first victory of the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup on Sunday night, producing a much-improved performance to defeat Papua New Guinea 2-0 at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.

With only one point from their opening two matches, the Bula Boys entered the encounter knowing that another setback would leave their hopes of reaching the final in serious danger. Instead, Stéphane Auvray’s side delivered when the pressure was highest, scoring twice during a decisive six-minute spell in the first half before managing their advantage after the break.

Captain Roy Krishna put Fiji in front in the 18th minute from the penalty spot. The veteran striker made no mistake from twelve yards, giving the hosts the early breakthrough they needed after a difficult start to the competition.

Only six minutes later, Sterling Vasconcellos doubled the advantage. The defender’s goal gave Fiji a valuable cushion and suddenly left PNG, who had started the tournament with a dramatic victory over defending champions Vanuatu, facing a difficult way back into the contest.

Fiji carried the 2-0 advantage into half-time and, unlike in their opening 3-3 draw against Solomon Islands, there was no late collapse. PNG were unable to find the goal that might have reopened the match, while the Bula Boys protected their lead through the second half to secure all three points.

The result was particularly important after Fiji’s 1-0 defeat to Vanuatu in their previous outing. Auvray had made clear that he expected a response from his players, and he was much more satisfied with what he saw against PNG.

“I’m happy with what was done tonight … tonight’s a lot better,” the Fiji coach said after the match.

The victory moves Fiji onto four points from three matches and keeps them firmly involved in the crowded battle for the top two positions. Solomon Islands had led the table with five points before Sunday’s matches, while Vanuatu entered the day on four and PNG and New Caledonia on three.

For Papua New Guinea, the defeat continues a difficult turn after their excellent start to the competition. PNG stunned Vanuatu 2-1 with two late goals in their opening match but then suffered a 2-1 defeat to New Caledonia before falling to Fiji.

Everything will now come down to Wednesday’s final round of group matches. Fiji face New Caledonia knowing another victory could take them to seven points, while Papua New Guinea meet Solomon Islands in another match with major implications for the final.

After waiting three matches for their first win, the Bula Boys have at least put their campaign back in their own hands — and Krishna and Vasconcellos ensured that Fiji will enter the final matchday still fighting for a place in the MSG Cup decider.