The men’s competition of the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup 2026 produced plenty of late drama at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, with Papua New Guinea securing a 2-1 win over Vanuatu before Fiji and Solomon Islands played out a thrilling 3-3 draw.
In the opening encounter, the two sides went into halftime locked at 0-0 before Tony Kaltak broke the deadlock for Vanuatu in the 77th minute.
PNG responded strongly in the closing stages. Nalau Moses equalised in the 85th minute before Ezekiel Vela struck just two minutes later to complete a dramatic 2-1 victory.
Before the match, both teams observed a minute of silence in honour of former Vanuatu national team player Ricky Tari.
The evening encounter provided even more drama as the Bula Boys and Solomon Islands shared the points in a six-goal thriller.
Fiji captain Roy Krishna opened the scoring in the 26th minute before Rooney Riugaemai equalised for Solomon Islands from the penalty spot.
Youngster Maikah Dau restored Fiji’s advantage before halftime before Thomas Dunn extended the lead to 3-1 in the 54th minute.
The complexion of the contest changed when Fiji were reduced to 10 men following Tevita Waranivalu’s red card in the 72nd minute.
Jayroll Patti pulled one back for Solomon Islands in the 82nd minute before Javin Wae struck in injury time to secure a dramatic 3-3 draw.
The results leave Papua New Guinea with three points, while Fiji and Solomon Islands have one point each after their opening matches.
NEXT FIXTURES – MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
Attention now turns to Match Day Two at the HFC Bank Stadium on Monday.
4.00pm – New Caledonia 
vs Solomon Islands 
vs Solomon Islands 7.00pm – Fiji 
vs Vanuatu 
vs Vanuatu Papua New Guinea will return to action on Thursday, September 24 at 7pm against New Caledonia, while Solomon Islands will face Vanuatu earlier that day at 4pm.
