Solomon Islands collected their first victory of the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup after defeating New Caledonia 2-0 at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. Both goals arrived during the second half after New Caledonia had resisted the Bonitos throughout a goalless opening 45 minutes. Raphael Lea’i was among the scorers, delivering another important contribution forContinue reading “Raphael Lea’i inspires Solomon Islands to important victory over New Caledonia”
Author Archives: Rafael Saltori
Vanuatu selected to host 2027 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup
Vanuatu has been selected to host the 2027 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, bringing one of Melanesian football’s most important international events back to the country. The decision gives Vanuatu another opportunity to welcome Fiji, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia for a tournament that has become an important platform for regional rivalry, national-teamContinue reading “Vanuatu selected to host 2027 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup”
Bill Tuiloma earns All Whites recall after Nando Pijnaker injury
Bill Tuiloma is back with the New Zealand national team, with the experienced defender added to the All Whites squad for the upcoming international window following an injury to Nando Pijnaker. The 31-year-old Wellington Phoenix centre-back had initially been left out of Darren Bazeley’s first squad since the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but Pijnaker’s withdrawalContinue reading “Bill Tuiloma earns All Whites recall after Nando Pijnaker injury”
PNG stay perfect as Vanuatu edge Fiji on decisive Women’s MSG Cup Matchday 2
Papua New Guinea underlined their status as favourites for the Women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup title with another emphatic victory on Matchday 2, while Vanuatu claimed a crucial win over hosts Fiji to strengthen their own push for the final. The defending champions defeated New Caledonia 4–1 at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, making itContinue reading “PNG stay perfect as Vanuatu edge Fiji on decisive Women’s MSG Cup Matchday 2”
All White Jesse Randall shines as Dundee United cruise past St Mirren
All Whites attacker Jesse Randall delivered one of his strongest performances since arriving in Scotland as Dundee United defeated St Mirren 3–0 away from home in the Scottish Premiership. Randall opened the scoring after only six minutes in Paisley, finishing a swift Dundee United move with composure. Idjessi Metsoko won possession before Daniel Bennie releasedContinue reading “All White Jesse Randall shines as Dundee United cruise past St Mirren”
MSG Cup matchday two brings New Caledonia debut and crucial Fiji-Vanuatu contest
The 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup continues on Monday at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, with New Caledonia entering the tournament against Solomon Islands before Fiji face defending champions Vanuatu. New Caledonia will begin their campaign at 4pm against a Solomon Islands team carrying confidence after a dramatic 3-3 draw with Fiji. The Bonitos showedContinue reading “MSG Cup matchday two brings New Caledonia debut and crucial Fiji-Vanuatu contest”
Meet Abdullah Khairati: the Canadian-Fijian midfielder taking his first steps with the Bula Boys
Abdullah Khairati may still be a new name to many followers of Fiji football, but the 18-year-old midfielder has already taken a significant step in his international career. Born and developed in Canada, Khairati represents a new generation of overseas-based Fijian players beginning to emerge through the national-team system. After featuring for Fiji at theContinue reading “Meet Abdullah Khairati: the Canadian-Fijian midfielder taking his first steps with the Bula Boys”
Ferdallas Namuesh relishes Papua New Guinea return as Kapuls turn focus to New Caledonia
Papua New Guinea made an ideal start to the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup with a dramatic victory over defending champions Vanuatu, and for experienced defender Ferdallas Namuesh, the opening match carried an additional significance: the opportunity to wear the Kapuls colours again. PNG overturned a late deficit to defeat Vanuatu 2-1 at HFC BankContinue reading “Ferdallas Namuesh relishes Papua New Guinea return as Kapuls turn focus to New Caledonia”
Isimeli Gavidi makes Fiji debut in dramatic MSG Cup draw against Solomon Islands
Ba defender Isimeli Gavidi made his senior international debut for Fiji on the opening day of the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, starting in the Bula Boys’ dramatic 3-3 draw against Solomon Islands at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. At 20 years old, Gavidi was given a major opportunity by head coach Stéphane Auvray inContinue reading “Isimeli Gavidi makes Fiji debut in dramatic MSG Cup draw against Solomon Islands”
Rooney Riugaemai goes from English non-League football to scoring on Bonitos debut
Rooney Riugaemai’s first senior international match for Solomon Islands ended with a goal as the forward converted a penalty in the Bonitos’ 3-3 draw against Fiji at the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup. Riugaemai started against the hosts at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva and faced an immediate test in one of the tournament’s most anticipatedContinue reading “Rooney Riugaemai goes from English non-League football to scoring on Bonitos debut”
