Vice-President of the Football Association, Mark Addo, has showered glowing praise on Ghana’s top-rated referee, Daniel Nii Laryea, for his outstanding performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Laryea was one of the standout officials at the continental showpiece, capping a remarkable tournament by officiating the high-stakes semi-final clash between hosts Morocco and Nigeria at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The experienced Ghanaian official was among the 23 referees who received FIFA-approved badges for the 2026 season during a short but symbolic ceremony held at the Ghana Football Association headquarters on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. Laryea’s name drew a standing ovation, reflecting the pride and admiration for his achievements on the continental stage.
Speaking at the ceremony, Vice-President Mark Addo singled out Laryea for special commendation, urging other referees to emulate his professionalism and consistency.
“I want to use this opportunity to congratulate Daniel,” Addo said. “You did a great job in Morocco and we are very proud of you. This is the high-level standard we expect from all of you. Let Daniel’s performance serve as a guide and motivation for everyone here.”
Beyond the semi-final, Laryea also officiated the Group-stage encounter between Algeria and Burkina Faso and later served as Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for the quarter-final clash between Morocco and Cameroon, underlining the trust placed in him by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Having returned to Ghana, Laryea is set to resume duties in the domestic Premier League, where his international experience is expected to further elevate officiating standards.
