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”
Tag Archives: Solomon Islands Football
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”
MSG Cup matchday two brings New Caledonia debut and crucial Fiji-Vanuatu contest
The 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup continues on Monday at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, with New Caledonia entering the tournament against Solomon Islands before Fiji face defending champions Vanuatu. New Caledonia will begin their campaign at 4pm against a Solomon Islands team carrying confidence after a dramatic 3-3 draw with Fiji. The Bonitos showedContinue reading “MSG Cup matchday two brings New Caledonia debut and crucial Fiji-Vanuatu contest”
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”
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”
PNG make early statement as women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup gets underway in Fiji
The second edition of the Women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup kicked off in Suva on Thursday, with defending champions Papua New Guinea immediately sending a warning to their Melanesian rivals while Solomon Islands and Vanuatu shared the points in the tournament opener. Papua New Guinea produced the standout performance of the first day, defeating hostsContinue reading “PNG make early statement as women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup gets underway in Fiji”
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”
