Former Sports Minister Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye has praised Ghanaian referee Daniel Laryea as the standout official at the recently concluded 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Laryea was thrust into the spotlight after officiating the high-profile semi-final between Nigeria and hosts Morocco. Following Nigeria’s penalty shootout defeat, some Super Eagles supporters criticised the Ghanaian referee.
However, Vanderpuye dismissed the backlash, insisting that Laryea delivered an exceptional performance and deserves consideration for officiating at the FIFA World Cup.
“I am so proud as a Ghanaian because one Ghanaian in the middle distinguished himself so well,” he told JoyNews.
“The referee was excellent, and I am sure FIFA would be considering him for the World Cup. Of all the matches I’ve watched in the AFCON, I can tell you—not because I am biased as a Ghanaian—he is the best. His composure and positioning, I will give him 95 per cent,” he added.
Morocco finished the tournament as runners-up, while Nigeria secured the bronze medal after defeating Egypt.
During the tournament, Laryea also officiated the group-stage match between Algeria and Burkina Faso and served as Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the quarter-final between Morocco and Cameroon.
He has since returned home and is expected to resume duties in the Ghana Premier League.
