Ghanaian Referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea Appointed for Morocco–Nigeria AFCON Semi-Final
Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea has been appointed by CAF to officiate the AFCON semi-final between Morocco and Nigeria in Rabat. The match, scheduled for 9 p.m. local time, will feature a multinational officiating and VAR team, with Morocco’s coach Walid Regragui describing the clash as a final before the final.
Mary Adofo
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has entrusted Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea with officiating the highly anticipated Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final clash between Morocco and Nigeria, underscoring Ghana’s continued presence at the top level of continental officiating.
Ayi Laryea will be supported by an experienced multinational officiating team. Zakhele Thusi Granville Siwela of South Africa and Souru Phatsoane from Lesotho have been named as assistant referees, while Arsenio Chadreque Maringule of Mozambique will serve as the fourth official.
CAF has also assembled a strong Video Assistant Referee (VAR) lineup to oversee critical decisions during the encounter. The VAR team will be led by Abongile Tom of South Africa, assisted by Haytehm Guirat of Tunisia and Stephen Onyango Yiembe from Kenya. Samuel Uwikunda of Rwanda completes the match officials as the designated fourth official.
The decisive semi-final fixture is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. local time tomorrow at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, a venue expected to host a charged atmosphere as two African football powerhouses battle for a place in the final.
Ahead of the match, Morocco’s head coach Walid Regragui described the encounter as a “final before the final,” highlighting the stakes involved. Addressing journalists at a pre-match press conference, Regragui praised Nigeria’s quality and depth but emphasized the importance of mental strength for his side.
“Nigeria has quality players and a strong bench, but we must remain mentally solid, control the tempo, and not allow them space to impose their technical and athletic strengths,” the Moroccan coach stated.
Regragui further noted that Morocco’s campaign has gathered momentum since the group stages, adding that the Super Eagles pose a significant challenge as a team eager to refocus after their World Cup disappointment.
“They are fully committed to this competition and determined to achieve success,” he concluded.
With experienced officials appointed and both teams fully prepared, the semi-final promises to deliver a fiercely contested and high-quality spectacle.
