At only 19, Emmett Connolly has already experienced international youth football, development at one of Southeast Asia’s leading clubs and senior competition in New Zealand. His latest step has come with the Cook Islands national team — and within days of making his senior international debut, the young goalkeeper became part of one of theContinue reading “From senior debut to historic Tahiti win: Emmett Connolly part of promising new Cook Islands generation”
Author Archives: Rafael Saltori
Paulsen the hero as New Zealand beat Panama on penalties to reach Kirin Cup final
New Zealand booked their place in the Kirin Cup final after overcoming Panama in a penalty shootout in Yokohama, with Alex Paulsen producing the decisive save before Michael Boxall converted the winning kick. The All Whites and Panama finished level at 1-1 after 90 minutes before Darren Bazeley’s side prevailed 5-3 from the spot. PanamaContinue reading “Paulsen the hero as New Zealand beat Panama on penalties to reach Kirin Cup final”
Unbeaten but out: Solomon Islands miss MSG Cup final while new Bonitos project shows signs of progress
Solomon Islands will not play in the final of the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, but their elimination tells only part of the story of a tournament that offered several encouraging signs for Ben Cahn’s developing national-team project. The Bonitos completed the round-robin stage unbeaten, collecting six points from four matches and finishing only oneContinue reading “Unbeaten but out: Solomon Islands miss MSG Cup final while new Bonitos project shows signs of progress”
Cook Islands rewrite 55 years of history with first-ever win over Tahiti in Rarotonga
The Cook Islands produced one of the biggest results in their senior men’s football history on Wednesday, defeating Tahiti 3-2 at the CIFA Complex in Rarotonga to record their first-ever victory over the Toa Aito. Benjamin Mata scored twice during an extraordinary opening nine minutes before Tremaine Rimene-Albrett struck the decisive third goal shortly afterContinue reading “Cook Islands rewrite 55 years of history with first-ever win over Tahiti in Rarotonga”
Suva turn to New Zealand-based reinforcements in push for 15th IDC crown
Suva FC have added four New Zealand-based players to their squad for the 2026 FMF Inter-District Championship, strengthening the Capital City side ahead of a demanding tournament they will play on home soil. Former Ba player Emosi Navaba has been included alongside James Hoyt, Andrew Naicker and Shiville Salesh Kumar in the 22-man squad submittedContinue reading “Suva turn to New Zealand-based reinforcements in push for 15th IDC crown”
Fiji join Vanuatu in MSG Prime Minister’s Cup final after decisive final day
Fiji will face defending champions Vanuatu in the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup final after a tense final round in Suva saw the Bula Boys come from behind to defeat New Caledonia 2-1, while Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea shared a 1-1 draw. The two results completed a compelling round-robin stage at HFC BankContinue reading “Fiji join Vanuatu in MSG Prime Minister’s Cup final after decisive final day”
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 theirContinue reading “Three goals in three games, but Javin Wae wants Solomon Islands focused on the job against PNG”
From backlash to apology: PNG captain Daniel Joe apologises to Ben Aukwai after refereeing criticism
Solomon Islands FIFA referee Ben Aukwai has accepted a public apology from Papua New Guinea national team captain Daniel Joe following strong criticism of his performance in Fiji’s 2-0 victory over PNG at the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup. The criticism emerged after the match at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, where Fiji secured an importantContinue reading “From backlash to apology: PNG captain Daniel Joe apologises to Ben Aukwai after refereeing criticism”
Everything comes down to Suva as MSG Cup men’s final race reaches decisive last round
The round-robin stage of the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup reaches its conclusion on Wednesday at HFC Bank Stadium, with Vanuatu already having completed their schedule and the other four Melanesian nations entering one final day that will determine who advances to Saturday’s grand final. After four rounds that have produced dramatic comebacks, late goalsContinue reading “Everything comes down to Suva as MSG Cup men’s final race reaches decisive last round”
PNG hit five as Vanuatu secure Women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup final place
Papua New Guinea finished the Women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup round-robin stage in emphatic fashion, defeating Solomon Islands 5–1 to confirm top spot and send Vanuatu into Saturday’s final. The Bilums had already secured their place in the decider before the final round, but they left no doubt about who has been the tournament’s dominantContinue reading “PNG hit five as Vanuatu secure Women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup final place”
