The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the full officiating team for the high‑stakes Africa Cup of Nations 2025 semi‑final between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and hosts Morocco, set for Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
At the centre of proceedings will be Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea, a respected official with experience in CAF competitions who has been entrusted with controlling one of the tournament’s most pivotal matches. CAF’s officiating appointments for the semi‑final clash include:
Centre Referee:
• Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea (Ghana)
Assistant Referees:
• Zakhele Thusi Granville Siwela (South Africa)
• Souru Phatsoane (Lesotho)
Fourth Official:
• Samuel Uwikunda (Rwanda)
Video Assistant Referee (VAR):
• Abongile Tom (South Africa)
Assistant VAR Officials:
• Haitham Guirat (Tunisia)
• Stephen Onyango Yiembe (Kenya)
(Officials listed as per CAF’s media announcements)
Laryea’s selection follows CAF’s broader referee appointments for AFCON 2025, which saw 73 match officials, including referees, assistant referees, and VAR officials, named for the tournament’s final stages.
The semi‑final fixture is among four remaining matches that will decide the champion of Africa’s premier football competition. Nigeria and Morocco each advanced unbeaten through the knockout rounds, heightening global interest in the match and scrutiny over officials’ roles.
CAF referees have been under pressure throughout the tournament, with past fixtures drawing commentary and, in some cases, formal complaints over critical decisions. However, sources confirm CAF has maintained confidence in its officiating teams, including for Wednesday’s semi‑final.
With kick‑off scheduled for the evening in Rabat, Laryea and his crew will be tasked with managing a dramatic encounter between two of Africa’s most formidable sides — a match that could define AFCON 2025.