Unknown Madagascan Ahmad caused a major shock in world football when defeating long-standing Issa Hayatou to become the President of the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) in Addis Ababa on Thursday.
The unassuming man from the Southern African country polled 34 votes with the Cameroonian veteran gaining 20 in the dramatic day in African football.
The result ends the 29-year reign of Hayatou as Africa’s football ruler.
Delegates cheered and pumped their fists in the plenary hall after the result was announced.
Ahmad, a 57-year-old father of two, had a discreet playing and coaching career before he took the reins of the Madagascar football federation in 2003.
His rare and determined bid for “change” at the head of the CAF this year took many by surprise, and the incumbent was seen as the favourite.
“When you try to do something, you mean that you can do it,” Ahmad told reporters after the vote. “If I can’t do it, I never stand.”
Supporters were thrown into big celebrations when the results were announced declaring Ahmad as the winner with some carrying the new President shoulder high.
It is believed that the 57-year-old Ahmad‚ a former government minister and who goes by just a single name‚ will usher in a new era in continental football.
Astute and tactical planning ahead of the election led to the major shock after anger and discontent infected the Hayatou camp.
The 70-year-old Hayatou had been president since 1988 and Lionel Messi was only nine months old when he became the most powerful man in continental football.
Hayatou, who has lead the continental body since March 10th 1988 was chasing for a record 8th straight term in office.
The elections took place during today’s 39th Ordinary General Assembly in Addis Ababa.
Hayatou headed CAF since 1988 and is a senior vice president of Fifa.
He has been credited with increasing the number of African teams at the World Cup and bringing in extra finance for the continent’s competitions.
Hayatou had been seeking a eighth term as CAF President, but has proven to be a controversial figure in the game.
On Monday (March 13), it emerged the 70-year-old had, along with CAF and it’s secretary general Hircham El Amrani, been referred to the Egyptian Economic Court by the Egyptian Competition Authority and the public prosecutor for financial and commercial affairs in relation to a broadcast rights deal Lagardère Sports, allegedly given without a formal tender process.
Along with his role in African football, Hayatou has also been an International Olympic Committee member since 2001.