Ghana’s top match official, Daniel Laryea, has been handed a prestigious role at the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, reaffirming his status as one of the continent’s most trusted referees. CAF confirmed the experienced whistle-blower among the officials selected for the continental showpiece scheduled for next month in Morocco.
Laryea’s inclusion comes as little surprise. Over the years, he has built a solid reputation both on the pitch and in the VAR booth, having previously served as a Video Assistant Referee at major CAF tournaments. This time, he joins the elite group as a central referee, the only Ghanaian among the 73 officials chosen for AFCON 2025.
Widely regarded as Ghana’s most accomplished referee, Laryea has consistently delivered high-level performances in the CAF Champions League, CAF Confederation Cup, and high-stakes Ghana Premier League derbies between Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko. His selection suggests that he is in line to officiate some of the tournament’s marquee fixtures.
CAF’s full roster for AFCON 2025 features a blend of seasoned and emerging referees from across the continent. Notable names include Algeria’s Ghorbal Mustapha and Gamou Youcef, Benin’s Djindo Louis Houngnandande, Cameroon’s Nfere Aboub Abdoul, Chad’s Alhadji Allalou Mahamat, DR Congo’s Ndala Ngambo Jean-Jacques, Egypt’s Mohamed Mansour Maarouf and Amin Mohamed Omar, as well as Morocco’s Jalal Jayed and Kach Grafe Mustapha.
East, West, Central, North and Southern Africa are all represented, with Kenya’s Peter Waweru Kamaku, Mali’s Boubou Traore, Senegal’s Issa Sy, South Africa’s Abongile Tom, Tunisia’s Mehrez Melki, and Uganda’s trailblazer Shamira Nabadda among those confirmed.
A significant portion of the selected officials will handle VAR duties throughout the tournament, which runs from December 21 to January 18.
Laryea’s appointment adds another milestone to an already impressive CV, and reinforces Ghana’s presence on Africa’s biggest football stage.
