Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea has been appointed to officiate a high-profile match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), following his selection to take charge of the Group E encounter between Algeria and Burkina Faso.
The eagerly anticipated fixture is scheduled for Sunday, December 27, 2025, at the Stade Prince Moulay Hassan in Rabat, Morocco. It will mark Laryea’s first appearance as a match official at this year’s tournament and highlights the confidence reposed in him by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as the competition enters a decisive stage.
Laryea is the sole Ghanaian referee among the 28 elite officials appointed for Africa’s premier football tournament. His selection for such a demanding encounter underscores CAF’s trust in his experience, composure, and technical expertise, particularly with both teams targeting early qualification from the group.
This assignment will be Laryea’s third consecutive Africa Cup of Nations, having previously officiated at the 2021 and 2023 editions. Over the years, he has built a strong reputation for calm and consistent decision-making, effective match control, and a solid grasp of VAR protocols—attributes expected to be crucial in a match tipped to be intensely competitive.
As Ghana’s leading referee on the continental stage, Laryea’s appointment has generated widespread support at home. Football fans and enthusiasts have taken to social media to express confidence in his abilities, offering encouragement and best wishes ahead of the match. Many have also voiced optimism that strong performances at AFCON could enhance his prospects for future global assignments, including the FIFA World Cup.
Match officials at AFCON 2025 have come under increased scrutiny following several controversial decisions in earlier games, placing additional pressure on referees and VAR teams. Against this backdrop, Laryea and his officiating crew will be closely watched throughout the encounter.
Both Algeria and Burkina Faso head into the match on the back of positive starts to their campaigns. Algeria will be seeking maximum points to fast-track qualification to the knockout stage, while Burkina Faso arrive full of confidence after an impressive opening performance. According to CAF records, this will be the fourth AFCON meeting between the two sides, following previous encounters in 1996, 1998, and 2023.
For Daniel Laryea, officiating the Algeria vs Burkina Faso clash represents more than a routine assignment. It is an opportunity to further solidify his standing as one of Africa’s top referees, reinforce confidence in African officiating, and proudly represent Ghana on one of the continent’s biggest football stages.
Source: Yen.com.gh
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