Rabat – The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea will officiate the AFCON semi-final match between Morocco and Nigeria.
South Africa’s Zakhele Thusi Granville Siwela will assist Ayi Laryea alongside Lesotho’s Souru Phatsoane and Mozambique’s Arsenio Chadreque Maringule.
Rwanda’s Samuel Uwikunda will serve as the fourth official, while VAR will be tackled by South Africa’s Abongile Tom, Tunisia’s Haytehm Guirat, and Kenya’s Stephen Onyango Yiembe.
The decisive semi-final match will take place tomorrow at 9 p.m. Moroccan time at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Head coach Walid Regragui has described the much-anticipated semifinal clash as a “final before its time.”
Speaking at a pre-match press conference today, the Moroccan head coach stressed his side’s determination and readiness even as he spoke glowingly of the Nigerian Super Eagles.
“Nigeria has good players and a deep bench, but the important thing is that we must be mentally strong so as not to let Nigeria catch their breath and maintain their technical and athletic impact,” Regragui said.
The match will be a good test for both teams, he added, describing Morocco’s journey as a momentum during the first round.
“We are facing a team that has come to terms with its World Cup elimination and will be fully focused on this competition to achieve a positive result,” Regragui concluded.
