Muharraq striker Jaycee John (in red) will play a key role for the Bahraini champions in the knockout stage.

MANAMA: AFC Cup Group A leaders Muharraq were held to a goalless draw by Rifa in the 19th round of Bahrain League here on Thursday.

 

The defending champions, who lost to Al Manama 2-1 in the previous round, are leading the 12-team standings with 45 points, six more than second-placed Al Ahli.

 

Salman Sharida’s charges will play their next round game against Al Ahli on May 19, five days after they host Lebanon’s Al Ansar in the last AFC Cup group game.

 

Muharraq and Al Ansar are on eight points but the Bahraini outfit is leading in the continental club tournament due to a better goal difference. India’s Dempo, who will take on Oman’s Sur, are also in the fray for a spot in the quarter-finals from this group with seven points.