Solomon Islands played out a 3:3 draw with Vanuatu in a Friendly International on 24 September 2026. The match brought two Pacific nations together at a time when both sides have been working on their recent form. It was Vanuatu who took the lead first, though Solomon Islands responded quickly to level the scores before the interval.
A. Malakai opened the scoring for the hosts in the 33rd minute, putting the home side ahead. D. Keana equalised for Vanuatu shortly after, finding the net in the 43rd minute. The momentum shifted again before half-time when Solomon Islands grabbed another goal in the 48th minute to take a slender advantage into the break.
The second half proved even more open. Vanuatu struck back in the 68th minute to level matters once more. Solomon Islands answered straight away in the 72nd minute, only for Vanuatu to respond again in the 85th minute. The match finished with a chaotic sequence of yellow cards as tensions rose, with four bookings coming in the final minutes alone.
Solomon Islands dominated possession at 59 per cent and registered four shots on target alongside seven off target. Vanuatu offered more threat in front of goal with 12 shots on target, though only one found the mark. Both sides earned four corners, and the statistics suggest Vanuatu's clinical edge in the final third made the difference.
The result means both teams can take something positive from their encounters. Vanuatu have shown they can trouble any defence, while Solomon Islands demonstrated resilience in keeping pace with a dangerous opponent. The draw leaves both sides looking ahead to their next fixtures with confidence rather than regret.
