Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea has been appointed as the centre referee for the 2026 Champion of Champions clash between Ghana Premier League champions Medeama SC and MTN FA Cup winners Nations FC.

The much-anticipated encounter will take place at the TnA Stadium in Tarkwa on Sunday, August 30, with kick-off scheduled for 3:00 p.m. The fixture will bring together the winners of Ghana’s two major domestic competitions in a battle for early-season honours.

Laryea, one of Ghana’s most experienced match officials, will be supported by Roland Addy as Assistant I and Theophilus Akugre as Assistant II. Gideon Nii-Cofie has been appointed Fourth Referee, while Alex Kotey will serve as Match Commissioner.

The appointment adds considerable experience to a fixture expected to attract significant attention as the two champions begin preparations for the 2026/27 domestic campaign. Medeama secured the Premier League title last season, while Nations FC claimed the MTN FA Cup.

Both clubs will have an opportunity to start the new campaign with silverware and establish an early statement of intent. For Medeama, playing on home territory at the TnA Stadium could provide an added advantage, although Nations FC will be determined to prove their cup triumph was no one-off achievement.

The Ghana Football Association has also announced affordable ticket prices for supporters looking to attend the encounter. Entry to the Popular Stand has been fixed at GH¢10, while fans seeking a more premium experience will pay GH¢50 for the VIP section.

Laryea Brings International Experience

Laryea’s selection reflects his standing among Ghana’s leading referees. Born on September 11, 1987, he began his refereeing career in the lower divisions in 2005 before reaching the Ghana Premier League in 2012.

He earned his FIFA badge in 2014 and has since handled matches across major CAF competitions. His international assignments have included the CAF Champions League, CAF Confederation Cup, African Nations Championship, Africa Cup of Nations and WAFU Cup of Nations.

The Ghanaian official has also been involved in women’s continental football, including the CAF Women’s Champions League. His experience extends beyond domestic competitions, making him a familiar figure on the African football scene.

Among his notable assignments are the 2021 Ghanaian FA Cup final and the 2022 CAF Women’s Champions League final, where he served as an Assistant Video Assistant Referee.

He was also part of the officiating team at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where he took charge of the semi-final between Morocco and Nigeria. His growing involvement with video technology has further strengthened his profile, with Laryea also serving as a FIFA Video Match Official.

Champions Set for Early Test

In 2026, Laryea was selected by CAF to participate in the Interclub Quarter-finals Preparation Course in Cairo as both a centre referee and FIFA Video Match Official, underlining the confidence placed in his officiating ability.

His appointment for the Champion of Champions therefore gives the contest an experienced official as Medeama and Nations FC compete for the first domestic trophy of the new season.

The fixture will also serve as a final competitive test before the Ghana Premier League officially gets underway during the weekend of September 4–7.

With Medeama defending their status as league champions and Nations FC arriving as FA Cup holders, the Tarkwa showdown offers both sides an immediate chance to measure themselves against another domestic champion.

Beyond the trophy at stake, the Champion of Champions provides an early glimpse of what supporters can expect from the new campaign, with two successful teams from the previous season meeting before the league season begins.