Champions Veitongo cruise past Ha’alaufuli while Longolongo stun Nukuhetulu in opening day of final stage
The final stage of the Heilala Manongi Cup began today, bringing together the best of Tonga’s women’s football in a highly anticipated competition.
The special tournament for senior women’s teams was first launched in December last year with eight sides from Tongatapu. After weeks of competition, Veitongo FC emerged champions following a thrilling final against Nukuhetulu FC.
In Vava’u, the Heilala Manongi Cup was also staged and claimed by Ha’alaufuli FC. With stage two now underway, Ha’alaufuli joins the top three teams from Tongatapu which are Veitongo FC, Nukuhetulu FC and Longolongo FC in the battle for the ultimate prize.
Match Day One opened with a clash of champions as Veitongo faced Ha’alaufuli. Veitongo wasted no time in stamping their authority, with striker Tama’a Faletau scoring twice in the first half to give her side a 2–0 lead at the break.
The momentum carried into the second half as ‘Ana Polovili netted three early goals in quick succession, completing a hat-trick that pushed the score to 5–0. ‘Ana Lauteau then capped off the performance with a late strike to secure an emphatic 6–0 victory for the Tongatapu champions.
The second game of the day featured Nukuhetulu against Longolongo in what proved to be a gripping contest. Despite Nukuhetulu’s experience as stage one finalists, it was Longolongo who dictated the tempo and delivered when it mattered.
Rising Future Mataliki Makelesi Malafu opened the scoring in the ninth minute before striker Sikini Taulama doubled the lead on the stroke of halftime. That proved enough to hand Longolongo a 2–0 win and an ideal start to their campaign.
The tournament continues with Match Day Two scheduled for Monday 25th and Match Day Three on Wednesday 27th, before the grand finals bring the curtain down on Saturday, 30th August. With Veitongo showcasing their firepower and Longolongo announcing themselves as serious contenders, stage two of the Heilala Manongi Cup promises an exciting week ahead for women’s football in Tonga.
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