Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea has been officially appointed to take charge of the highly anticipated 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final between hosts Morocco and Nigeria.
The blockbuster encounter will be played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, and represents a significant moment for Laryea, who will be officiating one of the tournament’s most high-profile matches.
This semi-final will be Laryea’s second game at AFCON 2025, underlining the growing trust placed in him by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). His first appearance at the tournament came during the group stages in December 2025, when he officiated Burkina Faso’s 1-0 defeat to Algeria in Group E.
With that experience behind him, Laryea now steps into what many fans and analysts regard as the “final before the final”, a match expected to be intense, emotionally charged, and watched by millions across the continent.
On the field, Laryea will be supported by an experienced officiating team. Zakhele Thusi Granville Siwela of South Africa, Souru Phatsoane of Lesotho, and Arsenio Chadreque Maringule of Mozambique will serve as assistant referees, while Maringule will also act as the fourth official.
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team will be led by Abongile Tom of South Africa, with Haythem Guirat from Tunisia and Stephen Onyango Yiembe of Kenya assisting. Lidya Tafesse Abebe of Ethiopia has been appointed as the referee assessor for the match.
Over the years, Daniel Laryea has built a strong reputation on the African football scene, earning praise for his calm decision-making, consistency, and ability to control high-pressure matches. His appointment to such a crucial AFCON fixture is widely seen as recognition of his professionalism and rising stature among Africa’s elite referees.
As Morocco and Nigeria prepare for a battle with a place in the final at stake, all eyes will also be on Laryea to ensure the game is handled with fairness, authority, and composure.
