The wait is finally over. After five years, the TFA Challenge Cup Final was back, and it’s delivering a storyline no one saw coming. Lavengatonga FC and Nukuhetulu FC will square off in the championship match tomorrow, Saturday 26 April at 12:00pm, in a showdown that promises passion and history in the making.
The last edition of the Challenge Cup was held in 2020, where Veitongo FC lifted the trophy once again after defeating Lavengatonga 4-1 in a commanding final performance at the Teufaiva Stadium. Veitongo’s dominance stretched across more than a decade but 2025 marks a new era, as two fresh challengers rise to take the crown.
Few would have predicted this final pairing when the tournament kicked off. Nukuhetulu FC, a youthful and energetic side, turned heads with an incredible upset over reigning champions Veitongo in the semi-final. The 1-0 victory wasn’t just an underdog story it was a moment that signaled a changing of the guard in Tonga football.
In the 2020 tournament, Nukuhetulu bowed out early in the quarterfinals to Navutoka and finished in a low-pressure 5th place playoff against Folaha. Fast forward to 2025, and they’re in the final fueled by belief, unity, and raw talent.
Their rise is no fluke. In fact, Nukuhetulu already defeated Lavengatonga 4-1 in the earlier round of this year’s competition a dominant performance that gave them confidence and momentum heading into the knockout stages.
Leading the side is veteran national team player and coach Lafaele Moala, who brings experience and calm to a team brimming with rising stars. The team features the ‘Aho brothers, all of whom have represented Tonga either in youth teams or futsal, Maloni Manuolevao, a staple of Tonga’s national futsal side who played alongside ‘Unaloto ‘Aho and ‘Atieli ‘Aho.
For Lavengatonga FC, this final is more than just a shot at the title, it’s a redemption arc. After finishing fifth in the standings after the pool rounds, they were overlooked by many heading into the playoffs. But when it mattered most, the veterans showed up.
Their semi-final win against top-seeded Folaha FC, who had led the table from the beginning, was a gritty and determined 2-1 victory. Lavengatonga’s experience and leadership stood tall, especially with the influence of the Kite brothers, four of them playing vital roles in the squad.
At the heart of the defense is Kulisitofa Kite, currently representing Tuʻulaupe, while his older brother ʻOfa Kite, a former Tonga international, remains a key figure in the midfield. Their presence, along with the team’s seasoned core, gives Lavengatonga a powerful blend of composure and tenacity.
With Veitongo’s decade-long reign now officially over, Tonga is guaranteed a new Challenge Cup champion for the first time in over 10 years.
Will it be Lavengatonga finally claiming the title they missed out on in 2020? Or will Nukuhetulu complete one of the most stunning runs in TFA Cup history?
One thing is certain — tomorrow’s final at 12:00pm will be a battle for the ages.
End.
