Daniel Laryea is a 39-year-old professional Ghanaian referee who was born and raised in Accra. He was the one in charge of Nigeria -Morocco AFCON tie.
Daniel Laryea Biography – The Referee Who Officiated Nigeria vs Morocco
Who Is Daniel Laryea? Early Life and Background
Daniel Laryea, full name Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea, is a Ghanaian football referee who has risen to prominence across African and international football. Born on 11 September 1987 in Accra, Ghana, Daniel developed a passion for the sport at a young age and has since carved out a distinguished career both domestically and on the continental stage.
Daniel’s journey into football officiating began not as a referee, but as a player. While attending the prestigious Accra Academy for his secondary education, he was actively involved in school football and even served as a goalkeeper for his school team — a role that deepened his understanding of the game from the perspective of players.
Beyond sport, Daniel pursued formal education diligently. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Ghana Business School and also earned a degree in Physical Education from the University of Education, Winneba. His academic background provided him with critical thinking, discipline, and analytical skills that later supported his decision-making abilities as a match official.
How Daniel Laryea Began His Refereeing Career
Daniel’s refereeing career started early — at just 17 years old — when he took up officiating in the lower divisions of Ghanaian football in 2005. This early start gave him valuable experience in managing matches, interpreting the Laws of the Game, and handling players under pressure.
In 2012, at age 24, Daniel made his debut in the Ghana Premier League, officiating his first top-tier match between Medeama SC and Berekum Chelsea. His performance in domestic football quickly caught the eye of national and international football authorities.
Two years later, in 2014, Daniel was officially listed as a FIFA referee, enabling him to officiate international fixtures and work alongside the world’s top match officials. Since then, he has built a strong reputation for fairness, consistency, and composure under pressure in a variety of competitive environments.
Daniel Laryea’s Rise in African and International Football
Daniel’s involvement in major tournaments reflects his rise as one of Africa’s respected referees. Over his career so far, he has officiated in a series of prestigious competitions organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and beyond:
- 2017 CAF U-17 Cup of Nations in Gabon
- 2018 WAFU Cup of Nations in Ghana
- 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) hosted by Morocco
- 2020 CHAN tournament in Cameroon
- 2021 Ghanaian FA Cup Final between Hearts of Oak and Ashanti Gold
- 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon
- 2022 CAF Women’s Champions League in Morocco (served as Assistant Video Assistant Referee in the final)
- 2022 African Nations Championship in Algeria (as Assistant VAR for Algeria vs Libya)
These assignments demonstrate Daniel’s versatility and ability to handle high-pressure environments. His work has not only involved enforcing the Laws of the Game but also adapting to modern officiating tools like Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, which is now central to elite football officiating worldwide.
Daniel Laryea at AFCON 2025 and Nigeria vs Morocco
In January 2026, Daniel Laryea was appointed by CAF to officiate the **high-profile Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final clash between Nigeria and Morocco in Rabat — a testament to his experience and the confidence CAF places in his judgement.
He was supported by an international officiating team, including assistant referees from South Africa and Lesotho, with VAR duties handled by officials from South Africa, Tunisia, and Kenya. This diverse team signaled CAF’s commitment to neutrality and professional refereeing in one of Africa’s most watched fixtures.
The match itself ended in a 0-0 draw after extra time, with Morocco advancing 4-2 on penalties — a dramatic and tense encounter in front of thousands of fans. Daniel’s role as referee was under intense scrutiny, with some players publicly commenting on his decisions after the game.
Refereeing Style and Reputation
Daniel Laryea is widely recognized within African football for his firm but fair officiating style. He applies the Laws of the Game consistently and communicates effectively with players to manage match flow and emotions. His calm demeanor allows him to handle tense situations with authority, whether it’s a domestic league match or a continental showdown.
His experience with VAR technology further enhances his capabilities in modern football. Daniel has served both as a centre referee and in VAR roles in major competitions, showing his adaptability to technological changes and enhancing officiating accuracy.
In domestic football, Daniel often features as one of Ghana’s top match officials in the Ghana Premier League, helping to maintain high standards in refereeing.
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Daniel Laryea’s Achievements and Professional Recognition
Daniel’s consistent performance over the years has earned him multiple recognitions:
- Listed on the FIFA Referees List since 2014
- Refereed domestic cup finals and league fixtures in Ghana
- Appointed to officiate major CAF tournaments and showcase matches
- Selected for CAF’s top referee development courses alongside other elite officials.
His journey from lower-division officiating to handling high-stakes international matches highlights his professional growth and commitment to excellence.
Personal Life and Interests
Off the field, Daniel Laryea leads a life that reflects his disciplined nature. He enjoys physical training and basketball, activities that help him maintain fitness and focus — essential traits for modern referees who cover extensive distances during matches.
He also has a passion for modeling and photography, showing that his interests extend beyond football. These hobbies reflect his ability to balance professional rigor with creative expression outside the world of sport.
FAQ – Daniel Laryea Biography
Who is Daniel Laryea?
Daniel Laryea is a Ghanaian football referee and FIFA-listed official known for officiating high-profile matches, including the Nigeria vs Morocco AFCON 2025 semi-final.
When and where was Daniel Laryea born?
He was born on 11 September 1987 in Accra, Ghana.
What qualification does Daniel Laryea hold?
He holds a BSc in Accounting from the University of Ghana Business School and a degree in Physical Education from the University of Education, Winneba.
When did Daniel Laryea become a FIFA referee?
Daniel has been a FIFA-listed referee since 2014.
Which major tournaments has Daniel Laryea officiated?
He has officiated multiple CAF competitions, including the CAF U-17 Cup of Nations, CHAN, Africa Cup of Nations, and CAF Women’s Champions League.
What match did Daniel Laryea officiate between Nigeria and Morocco?
He was the centre referee for the AFCON 2025 semi-final match between Nigeria and Morocco in Rabat.