CAF appoints Ghanaian referee for AFCON semi-final between Morocco and Nigeria

Ghanaian referee, Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea has been officially appointed to officiate the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semifinal between hosts Morocco and Nigeria.

The clash, set to take place at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, will be Laryea’s second game of the tournament, highlighting his growing reputation on the continental stage.

Laryea’s first outing at AFCON 2025 came during the group stages, where he oversaw Burkina Faso’s 1-0 loss to Algeria in Group E back in December 2025.

With that experience under his belt, Laryea is now entrusted with one of the tournament’s most high-profile matches, a knockout game widely regarded as the final before the final.

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He will be assisted on the field by Zakhele Thusi Granville Siwela (South Africa), Souru Phatsoane (Lesotho), and Arsenio Chadreque Maringule (Mozambique) as the fourth official.

The VAR team will be led by Abongile Tom (South Africa), with Haythem Guirat (Tunisia) and Stephen Onyango Yiembe (Kenya) serving as assistant VAR officials.

Lidya Tafesse Abebe (Ethiopia) has been appointed as referee assessor for the match.

Laryea has built a strong reputation for his composure, consistency, and ability to manage high-pressure games.

FKA/JE