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: MSG Prime Minister’s Cup
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”
15-year-old Bomecge Basananuc completes stunning rise from PNG U-16s to senior Kapuls in 2026
Few footballers experience three different levels of international football in the space of a single season. Bomecge Basananuc has done exactly that in 2026 — while still only 15 years old. The Lae City defender has gone from representing Papua New Guinea at U-19 and U-16 level to earning his place with the senior KapulsContinue reading “15-year-old Bomecge Basananuc completes stunning rise from PNG U-16s to senior Kapuls in 2026”
Vanuatu turn late pressure into 4-1 win over New Caledonia to strengthen MSG Cup title defence
Defending champions Vanuatu have placed themselves in a strong position in the race for the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup final after coming from behind to defeat New Caledonia 4-1 at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. The final score suggested a comfortable victory, but the contest was far tighter for most of the afternoon. NewContinue reading “Vanuatu turn late pressure into 4-1 win over New Caledonia to strengthen MSG Cup title defence”
Roy Krishna and Sterling Vasconcellos fire Fiji past PNG to revive MSG Cup final hopes
Fiji finally claimed their first victory of the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup on Sunday night, producing a much-improved performance to defeat Papua New Guinea 2-0 at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. With only one point from their opening two matches, the Bula Boys entered the encounter knowing that another setback would leave their hopesContinue reading “Roy Krishna and Sterling Vasconcellos fire Fiji past PNG to revive MSG Cup final hopes”
Ezekiel Vela embraces his Kapuls opportunity after first international goal
Papua New Guinea’s campaign at the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup has already brought Ezekiel Vela a moment he will not forget. The Gulf Komara centre-back scored his first international goal in the dramatic 2-1 victory over Vanuatu, an early reward for a player still establishing himself within the Kapuls setup. Vela’s goal came duringContinue reading “Ezekiel Vela embraces his Kapuls opportunity after first international goal”
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”
