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”
Tag Archives: MSG Prime Minister’s Cup
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”
South Pacific supporters face US$50 overseas pay-per-view cost to watch MSG Cup
The 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup is bringing major Melanesian international football back to Fiji, but many supporters outside the country face a significant cost to follow their teams live. Mai TV has announced pay-per-view coverage of the tournament, including every football match, the opening and closing ceremonies and the Cultural Night programme. The packageContinue reading “South Pacific supporters face US$50 overseas pay-per-view cost to watch MSG Cup”
Roy Krishna backs Abdullah Khairati after teenager completes rapid rise to Fiji senior team
Abdullah Khairati’s rapid progression through Fiji football has reached another important milestone, with the Vancouver-based youngster making his senior international debut for the Bula Boys at the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup — and receiving public backing from national team captain Roy Krishna shortly afterwards. Khairati featured for Fiji against Solomon Islands in the Bula Boys’Continue reading “Roy Krishna backs Abdullah Khairati after teenager completes rapid rise to Fiji senior team”
PNG turn defeat into victory with dramatic late response against Vanuatu
Papua New Guinea transformed a likely opening defeat into a significant 2-1 victory over defending champions Vanuatu with two goals in the closing minutes of their first match at the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup. Tony Kaltak put Vanuatu ahead in the 77th minute at HFC Bank Stadium, but the match changed after substitute NalauContinue reading “PNG turn defeat into victory with dramatic late response against Vanuatu”
MSG Prime Minister’s Cup 2026: the complete guide to Melanesia’s battle in Fiji
International football returns to the heart of Melanesia this September as Fiji hosts the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, bringing together five neighbouring nations in a competition that carries considerably more history and importance than its relatively low international profile might suggest. For somebody approaching Pacific football for the first time, the tournament can beContinue reading “MSG Prime Minister’s Cup 2026: the complete guide to Melanesia’s battle in Fiji”
John Alick goes from Ba’s domestic treble straight into Vanuatu’s MSG title defence
Vanuatu international John Alick has linked up with the national team camp in Fiji after completing a hugely successful domestic campaign with Ba FC, adding another experienced figure to Richard Iwai’s squad ahead of the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup. Alick arrives with considerable momentum. The 35-year-old midfielder joined Ba during the mid-season transfer windowContinue reading “John Alick goes from Ba’s domestic treble straight into Vanuatu’s MSG title defence”
From U-17 World Cup qualification to the senior team: Lea’i brothers share Solomon Islands training ground
Only weeks after George Lea’i helped Solomon Islands qualify for their second FIFA U-17 World Cup, the youngster has already been given an opportunity to experience the next level of international football — alongside his older brother Raphael Lea’i. The two brothers trained together with the Solomon Islands senior national team in Honiara, providing aContinue reading “From U-17 World Cup qualification to the senior team: Lea’i brothers share Solomon Islands training ground”
