Ghanaian Referee Daniel Laryea at Center of CAF Cup Controversy
Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea has once again found himself embroiled in controversy following a contentious penalty decision during a crucial CAF Confederation Cup match. The incident occurred during the Group D clash between South Africa's Kaizer Chiefs and Egypt's Al Masry on Sunday, February 8, 2026, where Laryea's officiating has drawn sharp criticism and revived painful memories for Nigerian football fans.
Controversial Penalty Decision in CAF Confederation Cup
In the 39th minute of the tightly contested match, Laryea awarded a penalty to Kaizer Chiefs after judging that Al Masry defender Ahmed Mansour had handled a low shot from Glody Lilepo inside the penalty area. The decision proved decisive as Flavio Silva calmly converted the spot-kick, giving Chiefs a lead they would not relinquish.
However, television replays immediately cast doubt on the call, showing Mansour's arm tucked close to his body in what appeared to be a natural position. The controversial decision sparked immediate protests from Al Masry players and bench staff, who vehemently argued against what they perceived as an incorrect interpretation of the handball rule.
The penalty ultimately proved crucial in the match outcome, with Kaizer Chiefs securing a 2-1 victory that propelled them to the top of Group D. According to CAF Online reports, this result significantly complicates Al Masry's chances of advancing to the knockout stages of the competition.
Echoes of AFCON 2025 Semifinal Controversy
The penalty decision immediately revived memories of Laryea's previous controversial officiating during Nigeria's 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semifinal against Morocco. That match, which ended 0-0 before Morocco won 4-2 on penalties, was widely criticized for several contentious calls that went against the Nigerian team.
During that high-stakes AFCON encounter, Laryea's decisions included a questionable yellow card for Nigeria's Calvin Bassey and several unpunished fouls against the Moroccan hosts. The controversy surrounding that match was so intense that Laryea eventually deactivated his social media accounts following online attacks from Nigerian fans.
CAF's decision to appoint Laryea for the Chiefs-Al Masry game despite the previous backlash signals their continued confidence in the FIFA-listed referee. However, the latest incident has raised serious questions about consistency in officiating, particularly regarding handball interpretations in matches without Video Assistant Referee technology, which remains unavailable during CAF group stages.
Nigerian Football Community Reacts Strongly
Prominent Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana voiced the frustration of many in the Nigerian football community, directly linking Laryea's latest decision to the controversial AFCON semifinal. On social media, Obayiuwana questioned the referee's judgment, writing: "Your refereeing in the Morocco v Nigeria AFCON 2025 semifinal was a mess. You just gave a dubious penalty to Kaizer Chiefs in the CAF Confederation Cup game against Al Masry. How was that clear 'ball to hand', with the arm tightly by the defender's body, interfering with play?"
While Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi welcomed the result and praised the three points that moved his side to the top of Group D, the controversy has overshadowed the tactical and physical aspects of the match. For Al Masry, the incident has raised broader questions about fairness and referee consistency in CAF competitions.
Background: Laryea's Recent History
Earlier reports indicated that Laryea received a hero's welcome upon returning to Ghana after his Africa Cup of Nations duties, despite the controversy surrounding his performance in the Nigeria-Morocco semifinal. The referee had faced significant online criticism from Nigerian fans following that match, leading to his decision to deactivate his Instagram account temporarily.
As the CAF Confederation Cup group stages continue, Laryea's officiating remains under intense scrutiny. The latest controversy highlights ongoing challenges in African football officiating and raises important questions about:
- The consistency of handball interpretations across different matches
- The impact of controversial decisions on match outcomes
- The need for improved referee training and technology implementation
- The psychological pressure on officials in high-stakes continental competitions
With Laryea likely to continue officiating important matches in CAF competitions, the football community will be watching closely to see how he handles future pressure situations and whether he can rebuild confidence in his decision-making abilities.
