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CAF appoints Ghanaian referee Daniel Laryea for Nigeria vs Morocco AFCON Semifinal

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Daniel Laryea
Ghanaian referee Daniel Laryea to referee AFCON Semifinal clash
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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially appointed Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea as the center referee for the highly anticipated AFCON 2025 semifinal between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and host nation Morocco’s Atlas Lions.

This blockbuster clash is scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium in Rabat, kicking off at 8:00 PM GMT (following the first semifinal between Egypt and Senegal at 6:00 PM GMT in Tangier).

Key Match Officials

  • Center Referee: Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea (Ghana) – A highly experienced official known for his composure in high-pressure games. This is his second assignment at AFCON 2025 (he previously refereed a group-stage match and served as VAR in Morocco’s quarter-final win over Cameroon).
  • Assistant Referees: Zakhele Thusi Granville Siwela (South Africa) and Souru Phatsoane (Lesotho).
  • Fourth Official: Arsenio Chadreque Maringule (Mozambique) (some sources mention Rwanda’s Samuel Uwikunda in a similar role).
  • VAR Team: Led by Abongile Tom (South Africa), assisted by Haythem Guirat (Tunisia) and Stephen Onyango Yiembe (Kenya).
  • Referee Assessor: Lidya Tafesse Abebe (Ethiopia).

This appointment reflects CAF’s confidence in Laryea’s ability to manage a tense, high-stakes encounter — especially with Morocco enjoying passionate home support and Nigeria boasting a perfect record and strong attacking form so far in the tournament.

The match is being billed as a potential “final before the final,” with the winner advancing to the title decider on January 18 in Rabat.

Ghanaian pride is high with Laryea’s selection, and it’s generating plenty of buzz across social media, with some fans joking about the cross-border dynamics (e.g., Ghana-Nigeria rivalry) while others focus on the excitement of the game itself.Who do you think will win this one -Super Eagles or the hosts?

 

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Andre Ayew’s Header Sparks Ghana World Cup Selection Debate

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Ghana legend Andre Dede Ayew with a powerful header to put Nac Breda 3-2 ahead against Feyenood. This has sparked a social media debate about his inclusion to the senior national team of Ghana ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament.

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André Dede Ayew’s recent trademark header goal has reignited intense debate in Ghana about whether the 36-year-old former Black Stars captain should be recalled for the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad. The incident stems from a match on March 8, 2026, where Ayew scored his first goal for NAC Breda in the Eredivisie. https://youtube.com/shorts/qC3c-dj0f3k?si=hU1CxQqynjFurEtF
In a thrilling 3-3 draw against Feyenoord, he rose highest to powerfully head in a cross from Lewis Holtby, putting NAC Breda 3-2 ahead at halftime. This was his debut goal after joining the Dutch club on a free transfer in the January 2026 window, ending a 372-day goal drought.
The goal described as a “powerful header” and “trademark” aerial finish has sparked widespread discussion on social media, in Ghanaian sports outlets, and among pundits, as it highlights Ayew’s ongoing form and leadership qualities amid Ghana’s preparations for the expanded 2026 World Cup (co-hosted by USA, Canada, and Mexico).
    • Andrew Dede Ayew played a key role in the high-scoring game, with fellow Ghanaian Kamal Sowah also involved (drawing level earlier). The header demonstrated his enduring aerial threat despite his age.
    • After a challenging period (limited minutes and no goals prior), this milestone has boosted his confidence and visibility. Ayew has not ruled out a national team return, and his resurgence is seen as timely with World Cup qualification progressing (Ghana in strong contention under coach Otto Addo).

This echoes broader Ghana football discussions on balancing veterans with emerging stars, especially after recent challenges like missing AFCON 2025. Ayew’s header isn’t just a club milestone—it’s fuel for a national conversation on legacy in the lead-up to the 2026 World cup.

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Semenyo Scores 15th Goal but Forest Snatch 2-2 Draw at City

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Manchester City and Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo continued his red-hot form by scoring his 15th Premier League goal of the season
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Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo continued his red-hot form by scoring his 15th Premier League goal of the season, but it wasn’t enough to secure victory for Manchester City as Nottingham Forest fought back for a dramatic 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium on March 4, 2026.

Semenyo, who joined City from Bournemouth in January, opened the scoring in the 31st minute with a superb volley. Assisted by Rayan Cherki, he controlled and fired home from the center of the box, giving City a deserved lead after dominating early possession.

This marked his impressive tally—his 15th in the league this campaign—and highlighted his seamless adaptation and goal-scoring prowess since the move. Manchester City looked in control, but Forest equalized in the 56th minute through Morgan Gibbs-White’s clever backheel finish.

Rodri restored City’s advantage just six minutes later, heading in from Rayan Aït-Nouri’s corner to make it 2-1.However, Forest refused to lie down. Elliot Anderson snatched a late equalizer in the 76th minute (some reports note around the 76th-80th mark), drilling home to secure a vital point for the visitors in their relegation battle.

The result left Pep Guardiola’s side frustrated, dropping precious points in the title race—now trailing leaders Arsenal by seven points after the Gunners’ win over Brighton.Semenyo nearly won it for City in stoppage time, forcing a superb save from Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels on a free-kick, but the draw stood.

The Ghana international was among City’s standout performers, combining threat with creativity. This match underscores Semenyo’s rising stock—he’s been a key attacking force for City since his transfer, contributing goals and assists consistently. For Forest, the resilient comeback was a massive boost in their survival fight.

 

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Ghana’s Black Queens Thrash Russia 4-0 in Pink Ladies Cup

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back-to-back 4–0 victories for the Black Queens against Russia and Hong Kong at the Pink Ladies Cup (@GFA)
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The Ghana Black Queens delivered a dominant performance by thrashing Russia 4-0 in their Matchday 2 fixture at the 2026 Pink Ladies Cup in the United Arab Emirates (held at venues like Al Hamriya Sports Club Stadium).

This follows their opening 4-0 win over Hong Kong, making it back-to-back clean-sheet victories with 8 goals scored and none conceded so far. The result positions Ghana at the top of the four-nation tournament table involving Ghana, Russia, Hong Kong, and Tanzania, as they prepare for the WAFCON 2026 qualifiers.

Match Highlights

    • Stella Nyamekye opened the scoring early in the 8th minute with a well-taken finish.
    • Doris Boaduwaa added a brace (goals in the 17th and 33rd minutes, including one described as a super finish).
    • Patience Ajegipina Zakaria (Ampem Darkoa Ladies striker, on debut form from the first game too) sealed it with the fourth in the 88th minute.

The Black Queens showed strong composure, high pressing, and clinical attacking under head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren, who reportedly called this one of the best performances he’s seen from the team since taking charge.

This comes amid some reported tensions in the region (mentioned in Dubai context), but the team stayed focused and impressed. The Queens will take on Tanzania on Friday, March 6, 2026, in their final group game.

 

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