A weekend of thrilling matches, electric energy, and unforgettable moments proves once again why Africa’s esports scene is on the rise.

The stakes were sky-high as Day 1 of the Carry1st Africa Cup Grand Finals bracket stage kicked off, bringing together the continent’s top Call of Duty Mobile squads for a showdown that was anything but predictable. From nail-biting clutches to emotional post-game interviews, the action on stage was only matched by the energy in the crowd. Rising stars made bold statements, fan favorites fell early, and the atmosphere reminded everyone that African esports is exploding in all the right ways.

As the dust settles on Day 1, here’s a breakdown of who’s rising, who’s out, and what fans can expect from an already unforgettable tournament.
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Day 1 Recap TL;DR – Carry1st Africa Cup Bracket Stage
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Eliminated (Out):
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• Kenya – Delta Esports
  
  
• Uganda – Nondescript
  
  
• Senegal – Sage Gaming
  
  
• Ghana – Aura 233
  
  

Advancing Teams (In):
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• Paradox – South Africa
  
  
• Bear Clan – Egypt
  
  
• Sierra 7 – Nigeria
  
  
• Eclipse Gaming – Nigeria
  
  

Key Moments & Storylines:
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• Bear Clan (Egypt) delivered the biggest upset of the day, defeating Paradox Gaming (South Africa) 3–1 and sending them to the lower bracket.
  
  
• Delta Esports (Kenya) put up a fight in the lower bracket, but ultimately couldn’t stage a comeback—as noted, they were "walking their way up" and battling for their lives before finally being knocked out.
  
  
• Nigeria’s presence looms large heading into Day 2, with two teams—Sierra 7 and Eclipse Gaming—still alive and dangerous in the bracket.
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Matchups to Watch on Day 2:
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• Paradox vs Sierra 7 in the lower bracket—a must-watch elimination clash.
  
  
• Eclipse Gaming vs Bear Clan in the winners’ bracket. The loser will drop to the lower bracket and fight for survival. 

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Eclipse Gaming: Redemption and Relentless Spirit

Nigeria’s Eclipse Gaming carried the fire of redemption into their clash with Delta Esports. After last year’s heartbreak, David from Eclipse made a bold declaration after victory:

“We came second last year, it doesn’t matter. This year we have to win, because this is our house. We own the building, they can’t beat us in our house.”

His words echoed through the crowd, setting the tone for their campaign. Pain from Eclipse echoed the team’s determination, admitting:

“We didn’t expect to win, but my team’s relentless efforts solidified our victory.”

Delta Esports handled the defeat with grace. Swae, speaking after the match, reflected:

“The experience was good, and we had a wonderful run. We made mistakes we should have corrected, but regardless we’re coming back stronger.”

Even Demo from Eclipse praised Delta’s spirit, saying:

“We had to put in our best to win against Delta.”

For fans and players alike, it was a reminder of why rivalries like this define the tournament.

Sierra Seven’s Vicious Run

Once relegated to the lower bracket, Sierra 7 transformed it into their personal stage. After sweeping Aura 233 3–0 (Hardpoint 250–159, SND 7–5, Control 3–0), they continued their dominance; blanking Sage Gaming and Aura 233 again in back-to-back 3–0 series. Their team cohesion and confidence made them one of the day’s most formidable presences.

Each map highlighted Sierra Seven’s chemistry and confidence, making them one of the most dangerous teams left in the competition.

Bear Clan vs Paradox: Battle of Wills

The top bracket was not spared any of the action either. Paradox entered the bracket with swagger. Their captain, Toxic, had promised nothing short of victory:

“We came out on top with straight wins, and I’m looking forward to taking the cup home. [You can trust that the] Nigerians won’t make it easy, but we’re ready for the fight.”

But Bear Clan was prepared. After a tense series, they emerged 3–1 winners, showing both resilience and composure. Vepexx of Bear Clan summed it up:

“Paradox made it one hell of a match, but our teamwork and coordination prevailed. GG.”

The match stood out as one of the tournament’s most electric moments, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

Aura 233 and Nondescript: A Brief Glimpse of Fire

Aura 233 stormed past Nondescript with a clean 3–0, their aggressive play on Slums and Standoff; drawing loud cheers from the crowd. But their momentum didn’t last, as Sierra Seven’s relentless pace shut them down in a convincing series win.

Nondescript, meanwhile, pulled off a stunning upset against Delta Esports, delivering a crushing 250–29 Hardpoint win before sealing SND and Control without dropping a map.

Event Atmosphere: Africa’s Esports Spirit

The event wasn’t just about the games;  it was about the energy. The crowd roared after every clutch, with content creator Malay admitting:

“I couldn’t believe Eclipse could win, I had lost all hope…[but wow, what a turnaround!]”

Adding to the atmosphere, Ryan Martinez, a prestigious guest, moved by the production and energy, commented:

“I love the energy so far, it’s electric. The quality of the event is amazing. Thanks to Carry1st for giving teams this opportunity; it shows how strong Africa’s esports is growing.”

His words mirrored what everyone in the building felt: Africa’s esports future is bright.

Entertainment & Activations: DJ 67, Mentos Fresh, and Spotify Bring the Vibes

The excitement around the Carry1st Africa Cup wasn’t limited to the matches alone. In fact, it was a full-on entertainment experience. DJ 67 kept the arena buzzing with nonstop energy, blending Afrobeat rhythms and global hits that had fans vibing between rounds. His set transformed breaks into mini-concerts, making the event feel like both an esports spectacle and a cultural festival.

Adding to the excitement, Mentos Fresh lit up the fan zone with giveaways and fun activations, creating memorable moments for the crowd. And of course, Spotify powered the soundtrack of the day, curating beats that matched the tempo of the competition and delectable refreshments. From hype warm-ups to clutch finishes, the music elevated the emotion in every round. Together, these activations showed that African esports is more than gaming; it is a lifestyle, culture, and community.

What’s Next

With fierce rivalries, battling legacies, and national pride colliding on the bracket, Day 2 promises heightened stakes and unforgettable drama. The bracket has already delivered shocks, rivalries, and stories fans won’t forget, and the best is yet to come. Eclipse Gaming, Sierra Seven, Paradox, and Bear Clan push forward, and we can expect Cinderella runs, rematches, and moments that define legends.

From dazzling plays to raw emotion, the Carry1st Africa Cup is proving to be a defining moment for African esports. The grand finals promise fireworks, as the sun rises tomorrow, so will legends, and Africa is ready.

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