CAF names Ghanaian, South African Referees for Nigeria vs Morocco AFCON Semi-Final clash

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has named a Ghanaian referee, alongside officials from Southern Africa, to officiate the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final showdown between Nigeria and Morocco.

In a statement released on Tuesday, CAF announced that Daniel Nii Laryea of Ghana will take charge as the centre referee for the high-profile encounter. He will be assisted on the touchlines by South Africa’s Zakhele Siwela and Lesotho’s Souru Phatsoane.

Mozambican official Arsénio Maringule has been listed as the third assistant referee, while Rwanda’s Samuel Uwikunda will serve as the fourth official.

CAF also confirmed the video assistant referee (VAR) crew for the match. South Africa’s Tom Abongile will lead the VAR team, assisted by Tunisia’s Haythem Guirat and Kenya’s Stephen Yiembe. Ethiopia’s Lydia Abebe has been appointed as referee assessor.

The keenly anticipated semi-final will see the Super Eagles lock horns with the Atlas Lions of Morocco on Wednesday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Nigerian time.

Nigeria secured their place in the last four with a convincing 2–0 victory over Algeria in the quarter-finals. The Super Eagles had earlier brushed aside Mozambique in the knockout round and completed the group stage with a flawless record, winning all three matches.

Under the guidance of coach Eric Chelle, Nigeria have emerged as the most potent attacking side at the tournament, scoring 14 goals so far, the highest tally ever recorded by the country in a single AFCON campaign.

With form, confidence and history on their side, the Super Eagles will be hoping that a disciplined performance, both on the pitch and from the officials, will carry them into the final.

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