Ghanaian Referee Daniel Laryea Appointed for AFCON 2025 Semi-Final Clash Between Morocco and Nigeria
Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea has been appointed to officiate the high-profile Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 semi-final between hosts Morocco and Nigeria, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed.
The eagerly awaited clash will be staged in Rabat, with two of Africa’s football heavyweights battling for a coveted place in the tournament’s final. With continental pride and silverware at stake, the encounter is widely expected to be one of the defining matches of AFCON 2025.
CAF’s decision to entrust Laryea with such a crucial fixture reflects the governing body’s confidence in his experience, consistency and ability to handle intense, high-pressure matches. The Ghanaian official has steadily risen through the ranks to become one of the most respected referees on the African continent.
Laryea boasts an impressive résumé, having officiated at previous AFCON tournaments as well as FIFA competitions, where his calm authority and firm control of the game have earned him widespread respect from players, coaches and football administrators.
For the semi-final showdown, he will be supported by a multinational team of match officials, a move that underlines CAF’s commitment to fairness, neutrality and professionalism at the advanced stages of the competition.
With passionate home support expected for Morocco and a determined Nigerian side eager to reclaim continental glory, the semi-final promises high drama, fierce intensity and moments that could be decided by the finest of margins.
For Laryea, the appointment represents not only a personal milestone but also a proud moment for Ghanaian refereeing, highlighting the country’s growing influence in African football officiating.
As the eyes of the continent turn to Rabat, fans and officials alike will hope for a contest settled by quality, discipline and teamwork — with Laryea ensuring the match is conducted with integrity, balance and precision.
The Morocco versus Nigeria semi-final will be Laryea’s second outing as centre referee at AFCON 2025, having previously taken charge of the group-stage encounter between Algeria and Burkina Faso.
