Former Sports Minister Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye has hailed Ghanaian referee Daniel Laryea as the best referee at the just-ended 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Laryea’s standout performance in the semi-final match between Nigeria and hosts Morocco earned him widespread recognition, despite criticism from Nigerian fans following their penalty shootout defeat.
Vanderpuye praised Laryea’s composure and positioning, giving him a 95% rating. “I am so proud as a Ghanaian because one Ghanaian in the middle distinguished himself so well,” he said. Laryea also officiated a group stage match between Algeria and Burkina Faso and served as VAR for the Morocco-Cameroon quarter-final.
The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) has also congratulated Laryea on his exceptional performance, stating that his appointment to the semi-final was a testament to his competence and integrity.