Daniel Laryea Returns Home After Stellar AFCON 2025 Performances Amid Controversy
- Daniel Laryea enjoyed a strong AFCON 2025 campaign, earning key appointments as both a centre referee and lead VAR official at the tournament in Morocco
- He officiated high-profile and high-pressure matches, including a decisive knockout fixture that ended in a dramatic penalty shootout, despite pre-match controversy
- The Ghanaian referee received a warm welcome on his return home, arriving in Ghana to be greeted by family, friends, and fans at the airport
Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea has returned home after officiating at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The 38-year-old was among 28 centre referees selected by CAF to oversee matches at the tournament.
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Daniel Laryea welcomed home
Laryea had an impressive tournament, demonstrating consistency, composure, and fairness throughout his assignments.
His inclusion in the competition follows years of steady excellence across domestic leagues and international fixtures.
In a video shared on social media, Laryea was seen arriving at Kotoko International Airport in Ghana, where he was warmly welcomed by family, friends, and some fans.
He made his first appearance at the 2025 AFCON on December 27, 2025, officiating a high-profile Group E clash.
The experienced referee was also appointed as the lead Video Assistant Referee for the quarter-final showdown between Morocco and Cameroon on January 9, 2026.
Laryea further proved his quality and composure in high-pressure situations, particularly during Morocco’s dramatic progression to the final following a penalty shootout at the Prince Abdellah Moulay Stadium.
His appointment to such a decisive fixture had drawn criticism from some Nigerian supporters ahead of kickoff, citing the historical football rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria and questioning the wisdom of the selection. Despite the controversy, CAF stood firm and retained the Accra Academy Senior High alumnus for the match.
After the quarter-final, Nigerian fans expressed frustration over several of Laryea’s decisions, claiming key calls went against their team at critical moments.
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Who is referee Daniel Laryea?
Born on September 11, 1987, Laryea attended Accra Academy for his secondary education, where he featured as a footballer before transitioning into goalkeeping duties for the school team.
Education remained central to his path, earning a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Ghana Business School (2014) alongside a qualification in Physical Education from the University of Education, Winneba (2018), per his LinkedIn profile.
Officiating came naturally. Raised in a refereeing household, he took charge of lower division matches at just 17 in 2005.
Seven years later, he handled his first Ghana Premier League fixture between Medeama and Berekum Chelsea. By 2014, FIFA recognition followed, opening doors beyond local grounds.
Growth came quickly. Laryea became a familiar figure in high-profile CAF competitions and international qualifiers, respected for his calm control and sharp decision-making.
AFCON 2025 will mark his third consecutive appearance after previous tournaments in Cameroon and the Ivory Coast.
Below is Laryea officiating Tunisia's game vs Mali at AFCON 2023:
Beyond the whistle, he stands out for mastery of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocols.
His role during the last AFCON earned widespread praise, with African officials applauding for consistency and clarity.
Being Ghana’s sole representative carries weight, especially in a year without the Black Stars.
Every call will face scrutiny, yet his presence offers reassurance and inspiration. As Africa’s best compete for glory, Daniel Laryea ensures Ghana remains visible through professionalism, authority, and quiet excellence.
Daniel Laryea’s Instagram taken down
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Daniel Laryea’s Instagram account was taken down after being mass-reported by Nigerian fans following the AFCON semi-final defeat to Morocco.
The goalless 120-minute clash ended in a penalty shootout, with several refereeing decisions sparking outrage on social media.
A first-half yellow card shown to Calvin Bassey was widely criticised, as many Nigerian supporters believed the foul should have gone the other way.
Source: YEN.com.gh
