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”
Tag Archives: Bonitos
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”
John Orobulu breaks silence after Solomon Islands omission: “I respect the coach’s decision”
John Orobulu has spoken to Oceania Football Center about his absence from the Solomon Islands squad for the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, responding calmly after his omission became one of the main talking points among supporters following Ben Cahn’s selection. The Ba striker was not included in the 20-man squad that travelled to FijiContinue reading “John Orobulu breaks silence after Solomon Islands omission: “I respect the coach’s decision””
New Zealand or Solomon Islands: only one side keeps its World Cup’s dream alive
New Zealand and Solomon Islands take the field at Gran Hamad Stadium to play in the finals of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers – just as they did in 2017. On that occasion New Zealand beat the Bonitos in Auckland 6-1 and drew 2-2 at the Lawson Tama in Honiara – thus achieving qualification forContinue reading “New Zealand or Solomon Islands: only one side keeps its World Cup’s dream alive”
