Confederations of African Football President Ahmad Ahmad on Sunday met Gabonese President Ali Bongo Ondimba, before the opening ceremony of the Total U-17 African Cup of Nations Gabon 2017 at the Port Gentil.

The two leaders held a 45-minute meeting, in which the Gabonese President assured Ahmad of all his support for the competition which runs till May 28.

President Ali Bongo also congratulated Ahmad on his election and encouraged him on the reforms and ongoing projects.

Gabon 2017 is Ahmad’s first attendance at a CAF-organized tournament since he was elected last March in Ethiopia.

He was accompanied by CAF 1st Vice President, Kwesi Nyantaki and CAF Executive Committee member, Kalusha Bwalya.

On his part, the CAF President renewed his warm thanks to President Bongo for his deep attachment to African football and the intense demonstration of his loyalty to CAF.

Gabon has hosted two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments in five years, the 2012 and 2017 editions, and is now hosting the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.

President Ali Bongo also hinted at rallying other heads of state to create a strong sporting movement, particularly football, at the 2018 African Union summit scheduled for January 2018 in Addis Ababa.