By Amr Shaheen BBC Sport, Cairo

Wadsworth took charge of the Simbas in November 2003

Mick Wadsworth, the English coach of DR Congo, is confident that the Simbas' imperfect build-up for the African Cup of Nations will not affect the team's performance in Tunisia.

Financial problems had been hampering Congolese preparations as the squad trained in the Egyptian capital Cairo.

A lack of funds meant the team was unable to afford decent hotel accommodation nor the rental costs of training pitches.

The shortage of money also forced the Simbas to abandon a training camp in Portugal planned for the second half of this week, yet Wadsworth maintains that his squad has not been affected.

"We faced some organisational and accommodation problems but on the other hand, the players' spirit and performance has inspired me," the English coach told BBC Sport.

Wadsworth explained that his greatest concern is that some players, such as Newcastle United's Lomana Lua Lua and six other Europe-based footballers, have yet to join up with his squad.

Without them, DR Congo drew 2-2 with Egypt in an ill-tempered friendly in Port Said on Wednesday and Wadsworth is worried that some players will fail to show up altogether.

"This is my main concern at the moment," he explained.

16 members of the DR Congo are based abroad, including Lua Lua who has assumed the Simbas' captaincy in the absence of injured striker Shabani Nonda.

Despite only taking charge of the Congolese national side two months ago, Wadsworth insists he has what it takes to handle an African team in his first overseas assignment.

He explained that during his spells as assistant coach at both Newcastle United and Southampton, his work with a number of African players familiarised him with the continent's football.

"It helped me understand the African mentality and learn how to deal with it," the 53-year-old said.

"I also worked with the (English) FA for seven years which equipped me to deal with international football."

Wadsworth and his squad travel from Egypt to the Tunisian capital Tunis on 19 January.

The Simbas open their Nations Cup campaign against Guinea on 25 January, and will then face Group A opponents Tunisia and Rwanda.