Veitongo FC Women have claimed the 2025 Heilala Manongi Cup after a hard-fought 2–1 victory over a spirited Nukuhetulu side in a thrilling final that went all the way to extra time at the Loto-Tonga Soka Centre.
The star of the day was none other than striker Tama’a Faletau, who once again proved why she is one of the most dominant players in the local game, netting both goals for her side including the dramatic extra-time winner.
Veitongo wasted no time asserting themselves, with an early chance in the second minute falling to ‘Ana Polovili, whose effort was blocked by the alert Nukuhetulu defense. On the other end, Nukuhetulu responded in the 5th minute with a corner from Salome Holika, though her attempt missed the target.
Both teams settled into the match with a fierce midfield battle. Goalkeepers Grace Tenifa of Veitongo and Rhonda Fotu of Nukuhetulu were called into action several times, showing excellent timing and reflexes to keep their sides in the game.
A turning point came in the 15th minute when Nukuhetulu’s Tema Tonga received a yellow card for a strong challenge on Faletau, just outside the penalty area. From the resulting free kick, Polovili’s low strike was blocked by the Nukuhetulu wall.
Against the run of play, Nukuhetulu found the breakthrough in the 25th minute. A precise through ball from Losaline Tu’utafaiva released striker Crystal Sime, who calmly lifted the ball over the onrushing Tenifa to give her team the lead. The rest of the half saw Nukuhetulu growing in confidence, but they couldn’t convert their momentum into more goals, thanks to Veitongo’s rock-solid defender ‘Ofa La’akulu.
In the second half, Nukuhetulu kept up the pressure, but Veitongo’s defense held firm. Coach Timote Polovili introduced fresh legs with ‘Ana Lauteau and Latu Lomu from the Mataliki system, which added energy and defensive stability.
The equalizer finally came in the 53rd minute. A well-placed corner from Polovili found its way through a crowded box after Fotu misjudged the ball in the air. It landed at the feet of Tama’a Faletau, who made no mistake from close range to level the match 1–1.
With both teams locked at 1–1 after 60 minutes, the final headed into extra time. As fatigue set in, the intensity dipped but the determination didn’t. Then came the moment of magic.
In the 68th minute, Polovili launched a long ball from midfield that found Faletau 30 yards from goal. She outran her marker, the booked Tema Tonga, surged into the box, and unleashed a powerful strike into the bottom right corner to give Veitongo a 2–1 lead.
Despite Nukuhetulu’s best efforts in the closing minutes, Veitongo held on, displaying grit and composure to secure the Heilala Manongi Cup.
With this victory, Veitongo FC Women not only lift silverware but reaffirm their status as a powerhouse in Tonga women’s football.
Veitongo FC 2 (Tama’a FALETAU 53’,68’)
Nukuhetulu FC 1 (Crystal SIME 25’)
HT 0-1
End.
