Papua New Guinea became the first team to secure a place in the 2026 Women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup final after defeating Vanuatu 2-0 at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, while Solomon Islands strengthened their own qualification hopes with a narrow 1-0 victory over New Caledonia. The latest round of matches provided an important turnContinue reading “PNG book Women’s MSG Cup final as Solomon Islands keep their hopes alive”
Category Archives: Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands fight back three times as Javin Wae rescues another dramatic MSG Cup draw
Solomon Islands once again demonstrated their remarkable ability to survive difficult situations at the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, coming from behind three separate times to draw 3-3 with defending champions Vanuatu in another dramatic encounter at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. Vanuatu led through Andrew Malakai, Tony Kaltack and Jayson Bule, but every advantageContinue reading “Solomon Islands fight back three times as Javin Wae rescues another dramatic MSG Cup draw”
Vanuatu hit five past New Caledonia as Solomon Islands stun hosts Fiji at Women’s MSG Cup
The third matchday of the 2026 Women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup produced two significant results at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, with Vanuatu delivering the biggest victory of their campaign so far before Solomon Islands defeated hosts Fiji to strengthen their position in the race for the final. Vanuatu were emphatic in a 5-0 victoryContinue reading “Vanuatu hit five past New Caledonia as Solomon Islands stun hosts Fiji at Women’s MSG Cup”
Javin Wae to the rescue: two stoppage-time goals turn defender into Solomon Islands’ unlikely MSG hero
Solomon Islands entered the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup with some of Oceania’s most recognisable attacking players, but after two matches one of their most decisive goalscorers has been a defender. Javin Wae has scored in stoppage time in each of Solomon Islands’ opening two matches in Fiji, first rescuing a point against the hosts andContinue reading “Javin Wae to the rescue: two stoppage-time goals turn defender into Solomon Islands’ unlikely MSG hero”
Ben Cahn: “You can play possession-based football with islands players” — the plan to reshape Solomon Islands
Before Ben Cahn began working in Solomon Islands football, he was told there was a style that simply would not work: possession football. The argument was that island players might possess individual flair, speed and attacking talent, but building a team capable of controlling matches consistently through the ball was another matter. A full seasonContinue reading “Ben Cahn: “You can play possession-based football with islands players” — the plan to reshape Solomon Islands”
Raphael Lea’i inspires Solomon Islands to important victory over New Caledonia
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”
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”
Roy Krishna goal sparks major offside debate after clear second touch
Fiji captain Roy Krishna’s opening goal against Solomon Islands at the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup has generated major debate after supporters examined the available broadcast replay. Some fans have argued that there cannot be an offside offence because the move began with a Fiji corner kick. That rule is correct only when a player receivesContinue reading “Roy Krishna goal sparks major offside debate after clear second touch”
Jayroll Patty’s rapid rise continues with first senior goal for Solomon Islands
Jayroll Patty continued his rapid rise in Solomon Islands football by scoring his first senior international goal in the Bonitos’ dramatic 3-3 draw against Fiji at the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup. The 19-year-old came off the bench at HFC Bank Stadium with Solomon Islands trailing 3-1 and needing something special to recover from a difficultContinue reading “Jayroll Patty’s rapid rise continues with first senior goal for Solomon Islands”
Ten-Man Fiji Surrender Two-Goal Lead as Solomon Islands Rescue Dramatic Draw
Fiji appeared to be cruising towards a winning start to the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup when Thomas Dunn put the hosts 3–1 ahead early in the second half. Yet an avoidable red card, a gradual loss of territorial control and an increasingly confident Solomon Islands response transformed the contest. Jayroll Patty reduced the deficitContinue reading “Ten-Man Fiji Surrender Two-Goal Lead as Solomon Islands Rescue Dramatic Draw”
