Story: James Kojo Bawa
In a proud moment for Ghanaian football, referee Daniel Laryea has earned a coveted spot among the officials for the upcoming FIFA U17 World Cup tournament set to take place in Indonesia.
Daniel Laryea, aged 34, stands as the lone Ghanaian referee selected among the eleven African match officials for this prestigious youth competition to be hosted in Southeast Asia. His inclusion is a testament to his wealth of experience, having previously officiated in high-profile matches such as the AFCON qualifiers, CAF Champions League, and Confederation Cup.
Notably, Laryea will not only be present on the field but will also contribute his expertise as one of the eighteen Video Assistant Referees (VAR) for the tournament. This dual role underscores his proficiency and the trust placed in his judgment to ensure fair play and adherence to the rules of the game.
While Ghana may not have secured qualification for the U17 World Cup scheduled to run from November 10 to December 2, 2023, Daniel Laryea is poised to make his country proud by upholding the highest standards of refereeing from the VAR room.
In addition to Ghana’s representation through Daniel Laryea, Africa will be well-represented by other nations, including the U17 champions Senegal, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Morocco. These African teams will join a diverse lineup of 20 other nations, making this tournament a global celebration of youthful football talent.
