Ghanaian referee Daniel Laryea has spoken publicly for the first time since finding himself at the centre of controversy following Morocco\u2019s dramatic Africa Cup of Nations semi-final victory over Nigeria on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.<\/p>\n
Laryea, who officiated the tense clash in Rabat, was approached on the streets of Morocco by Nigerian journalist Klinton Kod a day after the match. <\/p>\n
The semi-final, which ended with Morocco winning on penalties, sparked widespread backlash from Nigerian supporters, many of whom blamed the Ghanaian referee for their team\u2019s exit.<\/p>\n
During the brief encounter, Kod referenced the intensity of the game, telling Laryea: \u201cListen man, that game yesterday was crazy.\u201d Laryea agreed, responding: \u201cIt was crazy.\u201d<\/p>\n
From Crisis to Glory: How Daniel Laryea put Ghanaian refereeing back on the map<\/a><\/p>\n Kod then told him that many Nigerians were unhappy with his performance, reflecting the anger that had flooded social media since the final whistle. Laryea\u2019s response was calm and measured. <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s good. It\u2019s football,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n Laryea has been widely discussed since the semi-final, not only because of the decisions in the game but also because he became the first Ghanaian referee to take charge of an AFCON semi-final since George Lamptey in 1972.<\/p>\n Watch the video below:<\/p>\n I found our referee from yesterday\u2019s match o. I know what street guys would have expected from me but i am a peaceful guy \ud83d\ude00 pic.twitter.com\/eA9jhKAGoJ<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 KlintonCod (@klintoncod) January 15, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n FKA\/AM<\/p>\n Okyere Baafi speaks on alleged plot to oust Afenyo-Markin<\/p>\n