Ghanaian referee, Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea, has been appointed to officiate the semi-final clash between Nigeria and host nation Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The high-stakes encounter is scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 8:00pm GMT at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium.
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According to the official match appointment list, Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea will serve as the centre referee. South Africa’s Zakhele Thusi Granville Siwela has been named Assistant Referee 1, with Souru Phatsoane as Assistant Referee 2 and Arsenio Chadreque Maringule as Assistant Referee 3. Samuel Uwikunda is the fourth official.
South Africa’s Tom Abongile will be in charge of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) duties. He will be supported by Assistant VAR 1, Haythem Guirat, and Assistant VAR 2, Stephen Onyango Yiembe. The referee assessor for the match is Lidya Tafesse Abebe.
The appointment has generated significant discussion, particularly as Ghana and South Africa are regarded as football rivals to Nigeria, while Morocco are the tournament hosts.
Following the announcement, reactions on social media have been mixed. Some users welcomed the decision, with one comment joking that “Ghana is still in AFCON” despite the Black Stars’ absence. Others expressed concern, citing possible conflict of interest, with comments such as “Can we trust him?” and “CAF should know better.” Another reaction described the situation humorously, saying, “Ghana is not there but Ghana will decide who goes to the finals.”
The Nigeria vs Morocco semi-final is expected to be one of the most closely watched matches of the tournament.
