DR Congo tactician Mutubile Santos announced his satisfaction with the organizing of Egypt’s Nile Basin tournament, asserting that it gives his team good preparation for the 2012 African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

“We came to Egypt to confirm the unity of Nile Basin countries, and we had many benefits as we are preparing for ACN qualifiers,” Santos told Al-Ahram Al-Reyady.

The Leopards are third in Group 5 of ACN qualifiers with only one point from 2 matches. They were beaten 4-2 by Senegal and drew 1-1 with Cameroon. Their third round will be hard as they will host Group bottom Mauritius on 25 March.

 “I hope to play in the Nile Basin tournament every year and I suggest that it be held in December as ACN is usually played in January,” he added.

 “I am happy to be in Egypt and to play with the continent kings and their great coach Hassan Shehata,” he added.

The Pharaohs won three successive ACNs in 2006, 2008 and 2010, helmed by Egyptian coach Hassan Shehata.

The DR Congo coach also revealed that he is proud of Congolese football, especially after Mazembe won two successive African Champions League titles and reached the final of the 2010 Club World Cup against Inter Milan.