The digital battlefields of West Africa have been alight with fierce competition as the region's top Call of Duty Mobile squads clashed for a coveted spot on the global stage. The Carry1st Africa Cup 2025 qualifiers, serving as the gateway to the CODM World Championship, saw powerhouses from Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and Senegal engage in a series of heart-stopping 5v5 matches. With a $15,000 prize pool and Africa's single slot at the world championship on the line, every round, every kill, and every strategic play carried the weight of continental pride. It was, quite simply, a spectacle you had to see to believe.

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The Crucible of Competition: Format and Stakes

The Francophone West Africa qualifiers, running from mid-May into early June, were structured to test the absolute limits of each team. Mirroring the high-stakes drama of the Africa Cup of Nations in football, the tournament operated on a 5v5, best-of-five format. Each nation fielded a squad of five starters and one substitute, all sharing the same flag. After initial group stages, the top contenders advanced to a brutal 16-team double-elimination bracket. The rules were merciless but clear: one loss sent you tumbling to the lower bracket, and a second defeat meant you were out for good. This format ensured there was no room for error—every single map was a potential make-or-break moment. Talk about pressure cooking!

The Road to Glory: Key Matches and Turning Points

The action kicked off in earnest on May 24th, setting the tone for a tournament full of surprises and standout performances.

  • Sage Gaming's Statement: Right out of the gate, Sage Gaming announced their intentions with a dominant 4-0 sweep of ENERGY Gaming. It was a performance that made everyone sit up and take notice.

  • ENERGY's Resilience: True competitors bounce back, and ENERGY Gaming did just that, swiftly defeating Nexgen with a clean 3-0 scoreline later the same day.

  • Jblack Team's March: Cameroon's Jblack Team began their campaign with authority, comfortably taking down UPAGAINSTHELL 3-0.

  • Teranga's Fight: Senegal's Teranga Esport showed flashes of brilliance but ran into a buzzsaw named Jblack Team, falling 3-0. They didn't let that defeat define them, though, bouncing back to dominate Nexgen 3-0.

As the tournament progressed into its final stages on June 1st, the narrative crystallized. Sage Gaming continued their impressive run, securing a 3-1 victory over Jblack Team to punch their ticket to the regional finals. Jblack Team, with their backs against the wall, then delivered a decisive 3-0 knockout blow to Teranga Esport, ending the Senegalese squad's hopes.

This set the stage for a Grand Final rematch: SAGE GAMING versus Jblack Team. In a display of sheer dominance, Sage Gaming proved their first win was no fluke. They clinched the Francophone West Africa championship with a commanding 4-1 victory, leaving no doubt about who was the top dog in the region. Calme comme tu l'aimes (calm as you like it), as they say.

Team Spotlights: Strengths, Stories, and What's Next

🏆 SAGE GAMING (1st Place - Champions)

Sage Gaming's triumph was built on a foundation of incredible teamwork and ruthless consistency. Their aggressive playstyle and masterful control of the maps were simply a cut above the rest. They played with a preparation and confidence that screamed champions, dominating the final rounds when it mattered most. They now carry the hopes of Francophone West Africa to the continental finals.

🥈 Jblack Team (2nd Place)

Jblack Team was a powerhouse throughout, displaying skillful coordination and clutch plays that had fans on the edge of their seats. They dominated the early stages of the tournament and showed remarkable resilience. Even though they couldn't quite seal the deal in the final, they proved themselves as a formidable force that will be a threat for seasons to come.

🥉 ENERGY Gaming & Teranga Esport (3rd & 4th Place)

  • ENERGY Gaming lived up to their name, providing a rollercoaster of high-octane performances. Their tournament was a story of thrilling wins followed by tough losses, but their ability to adapt and bounce back highlighted a serious competitive spirit. They brought a unique flavor to the finals.

  • Teranga Esport showed they have the raw talent and potential to beat anyone on their day, with brilliant wins against ENERGY and Nexgen. Consistency was their Achilles' heel this time, but writing them off would be a big mistake. This is a team with a bright future.

The Valiant Contenders: Nexgen & UPAGAINSTHELL

For some teams, the tournament was a harsh lesson. Nexgen, despite showing individual promise, struggled to find their collective footing and were unable to secure a win. Their charge ended swiftly, but with more practice, they're a team to watch next season.

Then there's UPAGAINSTHELL. If you're big on details, you'll remember their run from last year. This time, luck wasn't on their side in tough matchups against ENERGY and Jblack. But here's the thing—they never stopped fighting. Their relentless spirit in the face of defeat earned them a ton of respect. Sometimes, it's not just about the win.

What Lies Ahead: The Continental Showdown

The journey is far from over for Sage Gaming. Their victory has earned them the right to represent Francophone West Africa at the Carry1st Call of Duty Mobile Africa Cup Grand Finals in Lagos, Nigeria, scheduled for August 30–31, 2025.

There, they will face the champion teams from every corner of the continent in a ultimate showdown. The stakes remain sky-high:

  • 🏆 Continental Pride and the Africa Cup Title

  • 💰 A share of the $15,000 prize pool

  • ✈️ The single, precious slot to represent Africa at the global COD Mobile World Championship

Phase 1 of the Africa Cup has been an absolute blast, showcasing the incredible skill and passion brewing in West Africa's esports scene. And the crazy part? The excitement has only just begun. With other regional finals still to come, the stage is set for more epic battles, surprise upsets, and unforgettable moments. The Carry1st Africa Cup was built for this very purpose—to prove that Africa's best teams truly belong on the world's biggest stage. One thing's for sure: we can't wait to see what happens next.