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The Nairobian

MOMENT OF TRUTH: Caf goes to poll with Hayatou's reign under serious threat by Madagascar's Ahmed

Football

By Gilbert Wandera | Mar 16, 2017

Cameroonian Issa Hayatou is facing his biggest challenge as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) goes to elections today at the Africa Union headquarters.

Hayatou, who has been CAF president for more than 30 years, is facing Ahmed Ahmed from Madagascar.

Delegates from all the 53 African nations have been arriving in the Ethiopian capital since Tuesday.

Fifa President Gianni Infantino arrived on Wednesday morning with his presence adding to the already boiling tension as he is thought to be supporting Ahmed.

Tension is palpable at the Sheraton Hotel where most delegates are putting up with campaigns going a notch higher.

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Interviews with several delegates point to a close election for the top post with supporters from both camps expressing confidence of emerging victorious.

The Hayatou camp is confident of bagging at least 28 votes to give him an eighth term. There were also reports that the CAF Congress will today vote to admit Zanzibar as a 54th member in a move seen as aimed at favouring the incumbent.

Those close to Ahmed claim he is sure of bagging at least 35 votes.

With hours before the polls, it is emerging that the East African region could determine the outcome of the polls.

With Ahmed assured of the votes from Southern Africa countries and Hayatou controlling the West African votes, this leaves the East Africa region to fight for.

Though Council for East and Central Africa Football Association Secretary General Nicholas Musonye has said the region is behind Hayatou, the sitting CAF President is not guaranteed of all 13 votes. Actually, it is emerging that his opponent Ahmed looks to have the majority of votes from the region. Due to the sensitivity of the polls none of the delegates was willing to speak on the record, but a majority have predicted that there is going to be change during today’s elections.

Campaigns are expected to go on until the wee hours of today morning. Apart from the top post, delegates will vote for 13 other candidates vying for various posts.