UAE — The Cairo Nomads punched their ticket to the final with a decisive 6–3 win over Majan (Oman)—their most complete game of the tournament and a well-timed response after a rough third outing.
Cairo came out hunting pucks. The forecheck arrived in layers, D held tight gaps, and breakouts were crisp through the middle—no more panic flips off the glass. That structure turned into offense early, and the Nomads never trailed.
The moment of the night belonged to Omar Ashraf (Egypt), who ripped home his first official goal for the club. It was the kind of strike you circle—speed through the neutral zone, a clean zone entry, and a release that beat the goalie before the coverage could set. From there, Cairo managed the game like a veteran group: smart changes, disciplined lines on the backcheck, and pucks deep when momentum wobbled.
Majan had push—especially off quick counters—but the Nomads’ details held up. Net-front boxing-out limited second chances, and Cairo’s sticks disrupted seams that were open earlier in the tournament. Special teams added a timely punch with a power-play finish and a composed penalty kill that snuffed out Majan’s best look late in the second.
What Went Right
- Layered forecheck = turnovers = goals: F1 pressured, F2 read the next touch, and D stayed within a stick length at the line. That triangle won the game.
- Middle-lane support on exits: Centers presented early, wingers curled low—clean first passes and speed through the neutral zone.
- Inside ice ownership: Cairo won the blue paint at both ends; tips and rebounds for, one-and-done against.
- Game management: Shift lengths stayed honest, and the third period was played below the dots, not at the offensive blue line.
What Still Needs Tightening
- Rush awareness after o-zone pinches: One too many odd-man looks against when both D got aggressive. One up, one back—especially with a lead.
- Faceoff execution on the PK: A couple of lost draws led to extended zone time. Pre-set responsibilities on lost draws should be automatic.
Bottom Line
This is the identity: structured pressure, clean exits, and inside ice. The Nomads earned their place in the final by playing percentage hockey with purpose—and by cashing chances when they had them. If this version shows up again, they’re a problem for anyone in Division C.