Ahmed Ahmed Beats Isa Hayatou to Become New CAF President

Ahmed Ahmed Beats Isa Hayatou to Become New CAF President

Ahmed Ahmed has beaten Issa Hayatou of Cameroon to be elected then new president of the Confederation of African football, CAF.

In a landmark election at the body’s headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, on Thursday, where CAF member federations casted their votes in a secret ballot, Ahmed polled 34 votes over Hayatou’s 20 to assume the top football job on the continent.

Victory for Madagascar FA chief brings an end to the 29-year reign of Hayatou who was seeking an unprecedented eighth successive term as the head of African football.

Prior to the casting of votes, Hayatou, 70 had talked up his administration’s achievement down the years, saying: “Africa football is developing at great rates, and we strive for more on all levels. The future of Africa football must be decided by Africans.”

But 50-year-old Ahmed’s message of change eventually held more sway among voting nations, leading to his landmark triumph.

His stunning victory is also a vindication of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Amaju Pinnick, who was caught in a storm following his vocal support of Ahmed.

It remains to be seen what changes are brought to the administration of football in Africa and particularly, the benefits that accrue to the Nigerian game.