The long-serving Caf President was voted out of power on Thursday as African football’s leaders voted for his Madagascan adversary.
Issa Hayatou’s 29-year grip in African football ended on Thursday when Caf voted for Madagascan football administrator Ahmad Ahmad as the confederation’s new president.
Ahmad defeated Hayatou by 34 votes to 20, thus bringing to an end Hayatou’s reign, which began when he replaced Abdel Halim Mohammad in 1988.
Results of the election: Ahmed Ahmed: 34 votes
Issa Hayatou: 20 votes #CAFGA2017— CAF (@CAF_Online) March 16, 2017
The surprise result, which was announced Caf’s 39th General Assembly in Addis Ababa, prompted shock and celebration across social media, with many fans, pundits and observers celebrating the departure of the 70-year-old, who has been accused of various controversies during his long stint at the helm.
However, the Cameroonian has overseen significant improvement in Caf’s standing within the global football community and considerable.growth within the continental game.
Congratulations, not just to Ahmad Ahmad, but to Pinnick and other FA heads who pitched with him openly. High stakes poker. #CAFGA2017
— Solace Chukwu (@TheOddSolace) March 16, 2017
Mark the date. Years from now, you'll tell your grandkids where you were and what you were doing when Hayatou was voted out. #CAFGA2017
— Solace Chukwu (@TheOddSolace) March 16, 2017
Congrès électif #CAF : Pas de 8ème mandat pour Issa Ayatou. Avec 20 voix, il est battu par Ahmed Ahmed (34 voix), le malgache de football.
— N’Dirè DIALLO (@ndirediallo) March 16, 2017
Ahmed Ahmed of Madagascar defeated incumbent Issa Hayatou 34 – 20 to emerge new Caf president, what a fresh start for African football…
— #SportHob (@TomiwaBabalola) March 16, 2017
Ahmad Ahmad (Madagascar) is the new Caf president. Thumped outgoing Issa Hayatou 34-20. Fresh air for African Football. Pinnick wins!
— Tolu Olasoji (@Tollexrism) March 16, 2017
VIDEO: Zimbabwe football officials lift Ahmad Ahmad in the air as they congratulate him for defeating Issa Hayatou. #CAFElections pic.twitter.com/w1lWN8mbV9
— Usher Komugisha (@UsherKomugisha) March 16, 2017
End of a very long era… #Madagascar's #Ahmad defeats #Hayatou to become president of Confederation of #African Football.
— Nishat Ladha (@NishatL) March 16, 2017
'The devil you know and the angel you don't know' parable…
Ahmad Ahmad takes over from Issa Hayatou as @CAF_Online president.
Hurray?
— James Ezimoha (@TheBiigJay) March 16, 2017
