Daniel Laryea is a top CAF referee
Referee Daniel Laryea has become one of the most talked-about officials after awarding a penalty to Kaizer Chiefs against Al Masry in the 2026 CAF Confederation Cup.
The crucial moment came in the 38th minute when Al Masry defender Ahmed Mansour was adjudged to have handled Glody Lilepo’s shot inside the box, which was deemed a foul.
Replays of the incident showed Mansour’s arm tucked close to his body, but his movement toward the ball was considered the determining factor for the referee.
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The decision sparked widespread controversy, with fans clashing over whether it was the right call.
Meanwhile, this is what officiating rules say about such incident:
It is an offense if a player deliberately touches the ball with their hand/arm, for example by moving the hand/arm toward the ball.
It is also an offense if a player touches the ball with their hand/arm when it makes their body unnaturally bigger.
A player is considered to have made their body unnaturally bigger when the position of their hand/arm is not a consequence of, or justifiable by, the player’s body movement for that specific situation. By having their hand/arm in such a position, the player risks being penalised if the ball strikes it.
Taking this into consideration, Mansour had his hand positioned close to his body, but he was clearly seen moving his entire body toward the ball. Hence, the penalty decision was consistent with the rules.
Moreover, Mansour made no effort to move away from the direction of the ball, which could have given him an advantage had the ball struck his arm or hand.
Despite the controversy surrounding the decision, Laryea demonstrated his competence by making such a tough call in a high-profile game, regardless of the pressure from players and fans at the stadium.
SB/JE
Meanhwile, watch highlights of U20 match between Black Princesses vs South Africa
