Controversial Ghanaian referee Laryea gives contentious penalty in Confederation Cup, echoes AFCON 2025 semifinal

The pivotal moment occurred in the 39th minute when Laryea awarded a penalty, judging that Al Masry defender Ahmed Mansour had handled a low shot from Glody Lilepo. 

Despite protests from the Egyptian side, who argued the defender's arm was tucked against his body, Flavio Silva successfully converted the spot-kick.

The match ultimately ended 2-1. Abderrahim Deghmoum equalised for Al Masry in the 57th minute, but Aden McCarthy sealed the win for Chiefs just three minutes later.

Laryea's decision immediately brought back memories of the AFCON 2025 semifinal between Nigeria and Morocco. 

In that match, the referee was heavily criticised for several debatable calls, including a yellow card for Nigeria's Calvin Bassey and unpunished fouls against the host nation.

Morocco eventually won 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw, leaving Nigerian players incensed over what they perceived as biased officiating.

Despite the previous backlash, CAF's decision to appoint Laryea for the high-stakes Chiefs-Al Masry fixture suggests the federation maintains their trust in the FIFA-listed official.

However, the latest incident has drawn sharp criticism. Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana took to social media to voice his disapproval, directly linking the penalty to Laryea's past performance.

"Your refereeing in the Morocco v Nigeria AFCON 2025 semifinal was a mess," Obayiuwana wrote. "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 celebrated the three points that sent his team to the top of Group D, the defeat complicates Al Masry's chances of advancing. 

The result has also reignited the ongoing debate about the standard of refereeing in African club competitions.