As the African Nations Championship (CHAN) enters its decisive stages, teams that have already bowed out of the tournament are leaving their mark in unexpected ways.

The teams although down, they are out frustrating the ambitions of group leaders and altering the dynamics of qualification to exit with atleast apoint.

Group B: CAR halts Tanzania’s perfect run

In Dar es Salaam, the Central African Republic (CAR), already eliminated from contention, held hosts Tanzania’s Taifa Stars to a 0-0 draw on Saturday. Tanzania, who had won all three of their opening matches, were denied the chance to finish with a perfect record. The stalemate meant Tanzania topped Group B with 10 points instead of a clean sweep of 12.

While the draw did not derail Tanzania’s qualification, it was a reminder of how eliminated sides can still shape the destiny of others. CAR finished bottom with just a single point, but that point came against the hosts and tournament favourites denying them total dominance in the group.

Group C: Niger stalls South Africa’s charge

At the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Niger, who had lost their opening two matches, salvaged pride with a 0-0 draw against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana on August 15. The result was more than a consolation it delayed South Africa’s bid to top Group C, forcing them to wait for their final clash against Uganda to determine their fate.

Niger’s point also has wider implications: it could block Algeria, currently second in the group, from qualifying.

If South Africa defeat Uganda and Niger stun Algeria in their last outing, the North Africans could be sent packing. Thus, a team already out of contention now holds the power to influence the group’s final outcome.

Group A: Zambia and Angola still in play

In Group A, both Zambia and Angola have already been eliminated, but they still have one last chance to shape the knockout picture. Zambia face Kenya in Nairobi tomorrow, a clash that could have serious consequences.

Kenya currently lead the group with seven points and only need a draw to guarantee a home quarter-final. However, if Zambia manage to hold them, and Morocco beat DR Congo, Kenya would be pushed to travel for their last-eight clash most likely against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars in Dar es Salaam.

While these exiting teams will not proceed in the tournament, their ability to frustrate the top contenders underscores the unpredictability of CHAN.

As the tournament nears the knockout rounds, the role of these so-called “spoilers” proves that in football, even when the dream of glory is over, pride and resilience can still tilt the balance of power.