Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Laryea will take charge of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 semi-final between Nigeria and Morocco on Wednesday night at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium.
Laryea enters the fixture with an established record of officiating high-pressure games.
He served as VAR in Morocco’s intense quarter-final clash against Cameroon, ensuring critical decisions were correctly implemented, and previously oversaw Algeria’s group stage match against Burkina Faso as centre referee.
At 39, Laryea ranks among Africa’s most respected referees. His career includes multiple AFCON tournaments, CAF Champions League encounters, and CAF Confederation Cup fixtures, earning a reputation for fairness, composure, and decisive management of tense matches.
The semi-final presents a clash of styles and ambitions. Morocco, buoyed by a fervent home crowd, seeks to extend an unbeaten run in the tournament, while three-time AFCON champions Nigeria aim to assert their traditional authority on the continental stage.
Every challenge, penalty appeal, or contentious moment carries the potential to influence the outcome, placing a premium on experienced officiating.
Laryea’s appointment underscores CAF’s confidence in his ability to maintain control and ensure the match progresses smoothly.
His presence is expected to balance authority with impartiality, allowing the players’ performances to remain the focus while minimizing the risk of on-field controversies.
Fans, media, and national teams across Africa will watch closely as Laryea handles the semi-final, aware that each decision could prove pivotal.
His ability to manage tempo, maintain discipline, and interpret critical moments makes him a central figure in what promises to be one of the most anticipated matches of AFCON 2025.
The semi-final between Nigeria and Morocco is not just a test of skill and strategy for the players; it also offers Laryea a platform to demonstrate why he stands among the continent’s most trusted referees.
