Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea, widely regarded as one of the continent’s most experienced and respected match officials, has been appointed to officiate the first semifinal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) between Nigeria and hosts Morocco this Wednesday. This appointment underscores Laryea’s rising stature in African football officiating and marks another milestone in a distinguished career that has steadily grown over more than a decade.
Laryea will be supported on the day by assistant referees Zakhele Thusi Granville Siwela from South Africa and Souru Phatsoane from Lesotho.
From Accra to the African Elite
Born on 11 September 1987, Daniel Laryea began his refereeing journey at just 17 years old, cutting his teeth in Ghana’s lower-division leagues before making his debut in the Ghana Premier League. His first top-flight match came between Medeama SC and Berekum Chelsea — a performance that helped put him on the path to international recognition.
In 2014, Laryea earned his FIFA badge, officially becoming an international referee — a credential he has retained ever since.
A Career of High-Profile Appointments
Over the years, Laryea has accumulated an impressive officiating résumé across both domestic and international football:
• He has overseen matches in major CAF competitions, including the 2017 CAF U-17 Cup of Nations, the 2018 WAFU Cup of Nations, and multiple African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournaments.
• Laryea was among the referees selected for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, one of the sport’s most prestigious events on the continent.
• On the club stage, he has officiated matches in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, showcasing his ability to manage high-stakes fixtures involving Africa’s top clubs.
• In the domestic arena, Laryea has handled some of Ghana’s most watched games, including classic Hearts of Oak vs. Asante Kotoko derbies and the Ghana FA Cup final, cementing his reputation at home.
VAR Expertise and Continued Continental Influence
Beyond on-field duties, Laryea has also become an important figure in modern officiating’s growing reliance on technology. He has served as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and Assistant VAR in significant contests, including the CAF Women’s Champions League Final and high-profile AFCON and CHAN matches — roles that highlight his versatility and broad expertise.
At AFCON 2025, he has already been entrusted with key responsibilities as both centre referee and VAR official, a reflection of the confidence the Confederation of African Football (CAF) places in his judgment and experience.
A Trusted Arbiter on the Biggest Stage
As Laryea prepares to take charge of the semifinal between Nigeria and Morocco — two of Africa’s footballing powerhouses — Ghana’s refereeing stalwart adds yet another chapter to his remarkable officiating story. For many fans and players alike, his steady hand and deep understanding of the game continue to earn respect across the continent.
