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 election day in African football.
The result ends the 29-year reign of Hayatou as Africa's football ruler.
The result means Ahmad will become a Vice-President of FIFA as the leader of all the continental bodies occupy that position automatically.
Delegates cheered and pumped their fists in the plenary hall after the result was announced.
The result was greeted by cheers at the CAF Congress as Ahmad was carried on the shoulders of jubilant supporters to the podium after the result was announced.
But he offered voters a fresh face to a younger generation of football association presidents that have emerged.
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.
Below is the video of the celebrations
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
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.
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. yhcvfr rtrbddvcx
Along with his role in African football, Hayatou has also been an International Olympic Committee member since 2001.
Hayatou has been the President of CAF since being appointed back in 1988, and despite several controversies throughout his career he has been able - until now - to withstand any opposition that came against him.