Fiji will face defending champions Vanuatu in the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup final after a tense final round in Suva saw the Bula Boys come from behind to defeat New Caledonia 2-1, while Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea shared a 1-1 draw. The two results completed a compelling round-robin stage at HFC BankContinue reading “Fiji join Vanuatu in MSG Prime Minister’s Cup final after decisive final day”
Tag Archives: Solomon Islands Football
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 book Women’s MSG Cup final as Solomon Islands keep their hopes alive
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”
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”
