Former Ghana Sports Minister Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye has hailed Ghanaian official Daniel Laryea as the standout referee of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Laryea drew widespread attention after taking charge of the high-stakes semifinal between Nigeria and tournament hosts Morocco.
His performance came under intense scrutiny, particularly from Nigerian supporters, following the Super Eagles’ penalty shootout loss to the Atlas Lions.
Unmoved by the backlash, Vanderpuye praised the referee’s handling of the contest and expressed confidence that Laryea’s showing could put him in contention for a future World Cup appointment.
“I am so proud as a Ghanaian because one Ghanaian in the middle distinguished himself so well,” he told JoyNews.
“The referee was excellent, and I am sure FIFA would be considering him for the World Cup.
“Of all the matches that I’ve watched in the AFCON, I can tell you, not because I am biased as a Ghanaian, he is the best.
“His composure and positioning, I will give him 95 per cent,” he added.
Morocco went on to finish the tournament as runners-up, while Nigeria bounced back to secure the bronze medal with a win over Egypt.
Beyond the semifinal, Laryea also officiated the group-stage clash between Algeria and Burkina Faso and served as Video Assistant Referee during the quarter-final meeting between Morocco and Cameroon.
He has since returned to Ghana and is expected to resume duties in the Ghana Premier League.
