Longolongo vs Lapaha in Heilala Women's Football Cup opener

Longolongo (yellow) vs Lapaha (blue). Heilala Manongi Women's Football Cup 2026. Veitongo, Tongatapu. 20 June 2026. Photo: Matangi Tonga.

By Everest Hala

Longolongo and Lapaha opened their 2026 Heilala Manongi Cup campaign as Tongatapu's Women's football competition opened today.

The closely contested match in the opening round delivered an entertaining contest with skill, determination and competitive spirt. Longolongo emerged victorious securing an important early win in the race for the title.

Another highlight game of the day saw Marist and Navutoka battle in a highly competitive match as teams across Tongatapu returned for another season of Women's football.

Marist vs Navutoka. Heilala Manongi Women's Football Cup 2026. Veitongo, Tongatapu. 20 June 2026. Photo: Matangi Tonga.

Organisers said the Heilala Manongi tournament has also been launched in Vava'u, with the eventual Vava'u champions set to travel to Tongatapu to face the Tongatapu title holders in a championship showdown.

The senior women's competition carries the name "Heilala Manongi" as the tournament begins during Tonga's Heilala Festival season

The opening-round featured Ha'ateiho against Ha'afeva, Marist against Navutoka, Longolongo against Lapaha, and Veitongo against Nukuhetulu.

The competition is expected to continue over the coming weeks as teams compete for the Heilala Manongi Cup and the opportunity to represent Tongatapu against the Vava'u champions.