Fiji and Solomon Islands Share Six-Goal Thriller in MSG PM Cup

Fiji and Solomon Islands played out a dramatic 3-3 draw in the MSG PM Cup on 18 September 2026, a result that delivered everything expected from a regional rivalry: pace, power, spectacular goals, and a late equaliser. Solomon Islands raced into an early lead, Fiji fought back to edge ahead, and a stunning hat-trick from Raphael Lea'i rescued a point for his side in the closing minutes.

Match Overview

The match began at a furious tempo, with Solomon Islands pressing high and attacking directly through their front line. They were rewarded inside the first ten minutes when Lea'i opened the scoring with a composed finish. Fiji struggled to settle, and Solomon Islands doubled their advantage midway through the first half when Lea'i struck again, this time with a fierce shot from the edge of the area.

Fiji responded well. Sairusi Nalaubu pulled one back before half-time, giving his team a lifeline, and Tevita Waranaivalu equalised early in the second half with a well-placed effort from distance. When Nalaubu scored his second of the game in the 71st minute, Fiji looked on course for a memorable comeback win. But Solomon Islands never stopped pushing, and Lea'i completed his hat-trick in the 88th minute to level the score at 3-3.

Key Moments

• 8th minute: Raphael Lea'i opened the scoring for Solomon Islands with a calm finish.
• 19th minute: Lea'i doubled the lead with a powerful strike from outside the box.
• 34th minute: Sairusi Nalaubu pulled one back for Fiji after a quick counterattack.
• 52nd minute: Tevita Waranaivalu equalised with a curling effort into the top corner.
• 71st minute: Nalaubu scored his second to put Fiji 3-2 ahead.
• 88th minute: Lea'i completed his hat-trick and rescued a 3-3 draw for Solomon Islands.

Tactical Story

Fiji enjoyed more possession and tried to build attacks through midfield, using width to stretch Solomon Islands’ defence. Their comeback was built on patience and better movement in the final third, with Nalaubu and Waranaivalu finding space between the lines. However, Fiji’s high defensive line was repeatedly exposed by Solomon Islands’ direct running, especially in the first half.

Solomon Islands were devastating in transition. Their plan was simple but effective: win the ball, play forward quickly, and let Lea'i attack the space behind the defence. It worked twice in the first 20 minutes, and it worked again in the dying stages when Fiji pushed forward in search of a fourth goal. The draw was a fair result in a game that showcased the attacking talent in the region.

Standout Players

Raphael Lea'i was the undisputed star of the match. His hat-trick demonstrated his finishing, movement, and composure in front of goal. For Fiji, Sairusi Nalaubu was relentless, scoring twice and leading the line with energy, while Tevita Waranaivalu controlled much of the midfield and scored a memorable equaliser.

Solomon Islands’ midfield also deserved credit for supplying Lea'i with quality service. Fiji’s goalkeeper made several important saves to keep his side in the game during a difficult first half, and the defensive resilience shown in the second half almost secured all three points.

Competition and Table Impact

The draw leaves both Fiji and Solomon Islands with a point in the MSG PM Cup, a competition that serves as an important testing ground for regional teams. For Fiji, the comeback will boost belief, but the defensive lapses will need attention. Solomon Islands will take heart from their attacking display and Lea'i’s hat-trick, though they will be disappointed not to have held onto their early advantage. With the group stage still unfolding, every point matters, and this six-goal classic will be remembered as one of the tournament’s standout matches.