Daniel Laryea is a renowned Ghanaian referee
Ghanaian referee, Daniel Nii Laryea was at the center of controversy following a penalty decision during Kaizer Chiefs’ 2-1 win over Al Masry in the CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
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.
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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.
The defeat dealt a huge blow to Al Masry’s chances of progressing from the group stage, causing frustration among players and fans.
The Al Masry bench reacted angrily to the incident, insisting that the decision was wrong and that their player had not committed an error.
This sparked widespread controversy on social media, with fans and journalists criticising Laryea for what they perceived as biased officiating in favor of the South African side.
Some argued that since Mansour’s arm was close to his body and appeared to be in a natural position, the referee should not have awarded a penalty.
Others countered by citing officiating regulations, which state that if a player moves their body toward blocking a shot, it can be deemed a handball and result in a penalty.
Laryea, regarded as one of Ghana’s best referees, has officiated several high-profile matches on the continent, including the Nigeria vs Morocco semi-final at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Read the comments below:
For the record, this is what the rules state about giving a handball in situations like this.
The Al Masry player’s arm is beside him, but he’s leaning towards the ball in an attempt to block it and makes himself bigger.
That’s a penalty. pic.twitter.com/8JnvexAkiu
— Gary Al-Smith (@garyalsmith) February 8, 2026
Right call…
The defender kept repositioning his body towards the balls
— BELTESHAZaR (@DamilareOdulate) February 8, 2026
Was that the player’s nature position, we all saw the player moving his body towards the ball
— Jah is the greatest (@Champio75782553) February 8, 2026
The defender can’t move towards the ball cos that is the work of a defender, as long as his hand is not away from its natural position; it is never a penalty. You would not expect a defender not to react to defend his goal either with his head, body, shoulder.
— Megida Feyifunmi (@thereal_fma) February 8, 2026
That’s a penalty tho… an intention of moving the body with the hand beside to clear a goal scoring opportunity
— Joedon📜 (@JoedonHary) February 8, 2026
This is a wrong call, the ball hit his shoulder before hitting his knee though the player moved towards the ball but his hands were in the appropriate position and his shoulder altered the movement of the ball
— KumenshKING 👑☂️ (@Iam_yemie) February 8, 2026
That’s a clear penalty, the ball was quiet a distance, he had no intention of positioning his hand well. The hand was making the body bigger to block the ball, also the hand changed the direction of the ball.
— Dannybwoy8 (@Dannybwoy82) February 8, 2026
Clearly a pen, the defender was intentionally moving towards the ball with his hand. Even though it wasn’t out stretched but he didn’t intentionally. Penalty all day
— Flygerianman🇳🇬 (@Flygerianman) February 8, 2026
🇬🇭 Ghanaian referee Daniel Laryea on the spotlight again in Polokwane with that penalty decision. With no VAR, you can’t fault him…..#TotalEnergiesCAFCC
— Velile Mnyandu 🇿🇦 (@Velile_Mnyandu) February 8, 2026
What is wrong with that call?that is a clear penalty, player blocks the ball..can even see him leaning towards the direction of that ball
— Devhula wa Ha Netsianda (@Devhula_17) February 8, 2026
SB/JE
Meanhwile, watch highlights of U20 match between Black Princesses vs South Africa