Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea has been handed a major responsibility at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, having been appointed to officiate the highly anticipated semifinal clash between hosts Morocco and Nigeria.
The heavyweight encounter is scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, and marks Laryea’s second appearance at the tournament, further underlining his rising profile on the continental stage.
Laryea previously took charge during the group phase, officiating Burkina Faso’s 1-0 defeat to Algeria in Group E in December 2025. His performance in that match appears to have earned him the confidence of CAF officials, who have now entrusted him with one of the competition’s most demanding fixtures.
Widely viewed as a “final before the final,” the semifinal is among the most high-pressure games of the tournament, placing Laryea at the centre of African football’s spotlight.
He will be supported on the pitch by Zakhele Thusi Granville Siwela of South Africa and Souru Phatsoane of Lesotho as assistant referees, with Arsenio Chadreque Maringule of Mozambique serving as the fourth official.
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team will be led by Abongile Tom of South Africa, assisted by Haythem Guirat of Tunisia and Stephen Onyango Yiembe of Kenya. Lidya Tafesse Abebe of Ethiopia has been appointed referee assessor for the match.
Renowned for his calm authority, consistency, and effective management of high-stakes encounters, Laryea’s appointment is a testament to his growing stature among Africa’s elite match officials.
Source: happyghana.com
