In a significant appointment, 36-year-old Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Laryea is set to officiate as the central figure in the highly anticipated 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Group E match between Tunisia and Mali. The crucial encounter is slated to unfold on Saturday evening at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium in Korhogo, adding an extra layer of excitement to the tournament hosted in Cote d’Ivoire.
Initially designated as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) official, Laryea’s role has been elevated to that of the center referee, marking him as the sole Ghanaian match official selected by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for this prestigious competition.
Laryea brings a wealth of experience to the AFCON stage, having previously officiated matches in the last tournament held in Cameroon. In that edition, he served as the center referee for the clash between Guinea and Malawi during the group stages, showcasing his adept handling of high-stakes encounters.
Moreover, Laryea played a crucial role as the fourth official in various matches, including those featuring prominent teams such as Senegal, Equatorial Guinea, Cape Verde, Malawi, and Burkina Faso. His multifaceted involvement in the previous AFCON underlines his standing as a seasoned and trusted official on the African football scene.
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technician for the upcoming Tunisia versus Mali fixture will be Salima Rhadia Mukansanga, a distinguished Rwandan official known for contributing to the seamless conduct of football matches. Mukansanga’s expertise in overseeing VAR proceedings adds another layer of assurance to the integrity of the game.
As the stage is set for this pivotal AFCON clash, all eyes will be on Daniel Nii Laryea, who assumes a central role in ensuring fair play and accurate officiating. The appointment not only recognizes Laryea’s capabilities but also highlights Ghana’s representation in the continental football spectacle. Fans await with anticipation to witness the unfolding drama on the pitch under the watchful eye of this seasoned Ghanaian referee.
