Daniel Nii Laryea, a Ghanaian referee, has been appointed to take charge of the high-profile 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semifinal between host nation Morocco and Nigeria.
The decisive encounter is set for Wednesday night at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium in Rabat, where the Atlas Lions will battle the Super Eagles for a place in the tournament’s final, with kick-off scheduled for 8:00pm GMT.
Daniel Laryea will be supported by a strong officiating team from across the continent. Zakhele Thusi Granville Siwela of South Africa and Souru Phatsoane from Lesotho will serve as assistant referees, while Mozambique’s Arsenio Chadreque Maringule will provide additional support. Rwanda’s Samuel Uwikunda will act as the fourth official.
The match will also benefit from a well-resourced Video Assistant Referee system. South Africa’s Abongile Tom will lead the VAR team, assisted by Haythem Guirat of Tunisia and Stephen Onyango Yiembe from Kenya. Experienced former Ethiopian referee, Lidya Tafesse Abebe, has been named referee assessor.
Daniel Laryea heads into the semifinal with a solid reputation at the tournament, having previously handled key matches, including a group-stage fixture between Algeria and Burkina Faso and serving in a VAR role during Morocco’s tense quarterfinal win over Cameroon. His appointment is seen as recognition of his rising status in African football officiating.
