Fédération Malagasy de Football president, Ahmad Ahmad, has been elected as the new Confederation of African Football (CAF) president, ending Issa Hayatou’s 29-year-old grip on power.

Ahmad beat Hayatou by clinching 34 votes in the elections held at the CAF Congress in Addis Abbaba, Ethopia today.

Hayatou had been at the helm of CAF since 1988 and critics argue that his ouster marks the dawn of a new era for African football.

The Cameroonian’s leadership came under intense criticism with many federations believing it was time for change .

Results of the election: Ahmed Ahmed: 34 votes
Issa Hayatou: 20 votes #CAFGA2017

— CAF (@CAF_Online) March 16, 2017