( CNN ) -- Concern over the spread of the Ebola virus has caused the cancellation of an African Cup of Nations football match . The Seychelles was due to host Sierra Leone in a qualifying game on Saturday , but the tiny island nation 's ministries of health and immigration prevented the visiting players from entering the country . At least 525 cases of Ebola have been reported in Sierra Leone since March , 224 of which have been fatal . Seychelles , which was trailing 2-0 after losing the away leg of the second-round qualifier in Sierra Leone on July 19 , has forfeited both the tie and its hopes of reaching next year 's tournament finals . Sierra Leone players were on Friday reportedly prevented from boarding a plane at Kenya 's Nairobi Airport that would have taken them to the Seychelles . Seychelles Football Federation president Elvis Chetty told CNN that there was little choice but to follow government advice and forfeit the match , which was to be held in the capital Victoria . `` After being advised by the ministry of health to postpone the match for an indefinite period , the ministry of immigration informed us it would not allow the team from Sierra Leone to enter the Seychelles , '' Chetty said . `` Subsequently , the SFF felt it was prudent to forfeit the scheduled match as opposed to asking for a postponement . `` We respect the decisions taken by the authorities to safeguard the health interests of our country . `` Our thoughts are with the Sierra Leone people in their hour of need . '' There have been more than 1,300 confirmed or suspected Ebola cases in West Africa since March , when cases of the virus were first reported in Guinea . Other countries to be affected include Liberia and Nigeria . Sierra Leone president Ernest Bai Koroma has declared a public health emergency in his country in an attempt to stem the spread of the virus . One of the country 's athletes at the Commonwealth Games in Scotland was taken to hospital last week to be tested for Ebola after feeling unwell . However , cyclist Moses Sesay was cleared and was able to compete in Thursday 's men 's individual time trial . Ebola is a viral hemorrhagic fever , affecting multiple organs and accompanied by bleeding . There is no known cure or specific treatments . The World Health Organization has said that drastic action is needed to contain what has fast become the worst outbreak on record .
Sierra Leone football players prevented from entering Seychelles over Ebola fears . Seychelles forfeits African Cup of Nations qualifier as a result . Ebola has claimed at least 224 lives in Sierra Leone in recent months .