From: George Aluo in Addis Ababa
The President of Madagascar’s Football Association Ahmad Ahmad has been elected Confederation of African Football president, ending Issa Hayatou’s 29-year reign.
Ahmad won 34 of the 54 votes in the election, which was held in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa on Thursday.
The outcome of the elections means a change in leadership for the first time since Cameroonian Hayatou took charge in 1988.
Ahmad, who appeared very emotional, becomes only the 7th CAF president in the body’s 60-year history.
The result was greeted by cheers at the congress of the Confederation as Ahmad was carried shoulder high by jubilant supporters to the podium after the result was announced.
In contrast, Hayatou was led from the auditorium by aides but he told reporters as he departed: “It is not that bad.”
The 57-year-old Ahmad, who goes by a single name, said: “When you try to do something, you mean that you can do it. If I can’t do it, I never stand.
“This is sweet victory. When you work hard for years and months and you succeed, that is great.”