Three goals in three games, but Javin Wae wants Solomon Islands focused on the job against PNG

Javin Wae has become one of the most unexpected goalscoring figures of the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup. A central defender by trade, the Solomon Islands captain has found the net in each of his country’s first three matches in Fiji, repeatedly appearing at decisive moments as the Bonitos have remained unbeaten heading into their final round-robin fixture against Papua New Guinea.

Wae’s contribution has been particularly remarkable because of when his goals have arrived. He struck deep into stoppage time to complete Solomon Islands’ comeback from 3-1 down in the 3-3 draw against hosts Fiji, scored another stoppage-time goal to seal the 2-0 victory over New Caledonia, and then found an 86th-minute equaliser against Vanuatu as the Bonitos came from behind three separate times in another 3-3 draw.

Three matches, three goals from a defender is something Wae himself admits is unusual. Speaking directly to Oceania Football Center, he acknowledged that such a scoring run is new for him and said he was happy to have already contributed three goals for his country.

Yet Wae’s attention has quickly shifted away from his personal numbers. Solomon Islands enter their final match knowing their qualification situation remains in their own hands, and the defender was particularly direct about what the Bonitos need against PNG, telling OFCe that “we have to win.”

That urgency comes from a tournament in which Solomon Islands have shown considerable attacking resilience. Ben Cahn’s side have repeatedly found ways back into matches, most notably against Fiji and Vanuatu, when they refused to accept defeat despite falling behind multiple times. Against Vanuatu alone, Solomon Islands responded to goals from Andrew Malakai, Tony Kaltack and Jayson Bule through Don Keana, Raphael Lea’i and, finally, Wae.

Wae does not believe the solution against Papua New Guinea requires Solomon Islands to move away from what has brought them this far. Asked how the Bonitos intend to approach the decisive fixture, he stressed the importance of sticking to the plans established by the coaching staff rather than searching for a different formula at the most important moment of the group stage.

There is, however, one area he believes Solomon Islands must improve. Their ability to score has not been in question, but six goals conceded across the draws against Fiji and Vanuatu have repeatedly forced the team to chase games. From his position at the heart of the back line, Wae identified defensive organisation as a priority, saying that “we need to stay compact in defence.”

It is perhaps the most revealing part of his message. Wae may be attracting attention because he has scored like a forward during this MSG Cup, but his concern before PNG remains firmly connected to his principal responsibility as a defender. Solomon Islands have shown that they can recover when matches become chaotic; the next challenge is avoiding the need to recover at all.

Papua New Guinea will provide another demanding test. The Kapuls opened their campaign with a dramatic 2-1 victory over defending champions Vanuatu before losing 2-1 to New Caledonia and 2-0 to Fiji, results that have kept the qualification race open heading into the final round.

For Wae, meanwhile, an already remarkable tournament has created an unusual possibility. A defender who entered the competition primarily responsible for stopping goals has become one of Solomon Islands’ most reliable sources of them.

Against PNG, however, his message is considerably less complicated than his scoring record: follow the plan, remain compact and get the victory Solomon Islands need.