Twitter explodes as Africa votes Issa Hayatou out, Ahmad Ahmad in

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. — 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... — Oluwatomiwa Babalola (@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! — TOLULOPE OLASOJI (@Tollexrism) March 16, 2017

Wind on change blowing around indeed. — Prince Narkortu Teye (@TeyePrince) 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