In a dramatic and tense final, Nukuhetulu etched their name into the history books by claiming their first ever Challenge Cup title, overcoming a resilient Lavengatonga side 4-2 on penalties after a gripping 1-1 draw through full time and extra time.
The match started with Lavengatonga coming out aggressively, seeking to gain an early advantage. Their physical approach saw two quick yellow cards handed out to midfielder Vainga Loti and defender Boy Vakapuna inside the opening 15 minutes. Despite their strong start, Nukuhetulu’s defence, marshalled superbly by Unaloto ‘Aho, stood firm.
The first 20 minutes were largely a midfield battle, with neither side creating clear chances. In the 21st minute, Nukuhetulu threatened when an intercepted rushed pass fell to midfielder Maloni Manuolevao, who unleashed a powerful shot from outside the penalty box, only for the ball to sail over the crossbar.
Lavengatonga eventually broke the deadlock in the 25th minute. After winning the ball back in midfield, Kulisitofa Kite received a clever through ball, brilliantly skipped past his defender, and coolly slotted past goalkeeper Tevita Pale to give Lavengatonga a 1-0 lead.
Nukuhetulu responded quickly but couldn’t find the target, with Salesi Fakahau sending a shot wide soon after the restart. Lavengatonga continued to threaten on counterattacks, with Kite coming close to doubling the lead just before halftime.
Both sides had opportunities but struggled to capitalise, and Lavengatonga ended the first half with a third yellow card to their name. Coach Lafaele Moala made an important tactical substitution, bringing himself into midfield to steady Nukuhetulu’s play.
The second half resumed with Lavengatonga again pushing forward, but Nukuhetulu stayed composed. Seven minutes after the break, a foul on Fakahau set up a free-kick opportunity. Unaloto ‘Aho delivered a dangerous ball into the box, causing chaos. Fakahau reacted first, striking towards goal, and despite Ofa Kite’s effort to clear off the line, the ball deflected off the post and into the net leveling the score at 1-1.
The intensity only grew, with both sides trading chances and picking up more yellow cards. Midfielders Lavaki Lolohea and Maloni Manuolevao were cautioned for Nukuhetulu. Tension boiled over when Va’inga Loti, already on a yellow, was shown a second for a heavy challenge on ‘Aho, reducing Lavengatonga to 10 men.
Despite Nukuhetulu dominating the final stages and extra time with relentless pressure, Lavengatonga’s defence somehow held firm, dragging the match into a penalty shootout.
The shootout was a rollercoaster. Salesi Fakahau missed Nukuhetulu’s opening penalty, but Lavengatonga failed to capitalise, missing their second kick as well. Tevita Pale emerged the hero for Nukuhetulu, saving Lavengatonga’s fourth penalty. With the pressure mounting, Unaloto ‘Aho coolly slotted home the decisive penalty, sealing a 4-2 victory and sparking wild celebrations.
This historic win is a monumental moment for Nukuhetulu, who only made their senior debut in 2020. Fittingly, coach Lafaele Moala, who was also playing in the team, guided his side to this landmark achievement showing heart, resilience, and class.
Nukuhetulu FC 1 (4) (Salesi FAKAHAU 57′)
Lavengatonga FC 1 (2) (Kulisitofa KITE 26’)
HT 0-1
End.
