Daniel Laryea was the best referee at AFCON 2025 - Ex-Sports Minister, Nii Lante Vanderpuye

Former Sports Minister, Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, has labelled Ghanaian referee Daniel Laryea as the best referee at the just-ended 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Laryea grabbed the headlines after officiating the semifinal game between Nigeria and hosts, Morocco.

The fans of the Super Eagles descended on the Ghanaian following their penalty shootout defeat to the Atlas Lions.

Despite the criticism, the former lawmaker was convinced by Laryea’s performance and is hopeful of a World Cup inclusion for the match official.

“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 that 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 defeated Egypt to clinch a bronze medal.

Laryea also took charge of a Group stage match between Algeria and Burkina Faso and served as Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for the quarter-final showdown between Morocco and Cameroon. He has since returned to Ghana and is set to officiate upcoming Ghana Premier League matches.