The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has made a decisive and controversial call for one of the most anticipated matches of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Laryea will take charge of the semi-final clash between Nigeria's Super Eagles and Morocco, setting the stage for a high-pressure encounter in Rabat.
Last-Minute Change Sparks Controversy
This appointment comes after significant behind-the-scenes drama. Initially, Egyptian official Amin Omar was slated to referee the match. However, CAF executed a last-minute reshuffle of the entire officiating team, a move prompted by formal complaints from the Moroccan football federation.
Morocco had expressed strong dissatisfaction, labeling the initial late announcement and lack of clarity around the match officials as "unacceptable" for a fixture of such magnitude. In response, CAF replaced Omar with the experienced Daniel Nii Laryea, aiming to ensure perceived neutrality and calm tensions.
The Complete Officiating Team for the Crunch Tie
The match, scheduled for Wednesday at 9 PM Nigerian time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, will be overseen by a full crew. Assisting Nii Laryea on the lines will be Zakhele Siwela from South Africa and Souru Phatsoane from Lesotho.
The support team is equally international:
- Fourth Official: Samuel Uwikunda (Rwanda)
- Third Assistant Referee: Arsénio Maringule (Mozambique)
In the crucial Video Assistant Referee (VAR) booth, oversight will be provided by a trio of officials: Tom Abongile (South Africa), Haythem Guirat (Tunisia), and Stephen Yiembe (Kenya). Lydia Abebe will serve as the match's referee assessor.
Fallout and Federations' Reactions
While CAF stated the change was to guarantee neutrality, the decision has not been met with universal approval. The move reportedly quashed rumours that Mauritanian referee Dahane Beida, who handled Morocco's quarter-final against Cameroon, would get the nod.
The Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) has reacted with outrage to the late alteration. They are reportedly preparing an official appeal, arguing that such a last-minute change is unfair and has the potential to disrupt the competitive integrity and preparations of the involved teams. Their frustration is compounded because the change affected not just the center referee but the entire supporting cast, including VAR officials who were only confirmed after the switch.
As fans eagerly await the showdown between the Super Eagles and the Atlas Lions, the focus on the officials is now intensely magnified. This last-minute drama raises questions about CAF's appointment procedures and whether such changes bring more clarity or, instead, fuel further controversy on the continent's biggest football stage.
