African Cup of Nations: Seychelles forfeit tie against Sierra Leone over Ebola fears

The Seychelles have forfeited their African Cup Nations qualifying tie against Sierra Leone after refusing the West African nation's team entry over Ebola virus fears.

Sierra Leone, which has declared a state of emergency to quarantine victims of the deadly disease, were due to face the Seychelles in a playoff second leg of Saturday but in Thursday were denied permission to board a Nairobi to Mahe flight. The Seychelles have since said they will forfeit the game, allowing Sierra Leone to advance to the next round.

Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Korom said: "Sierra Leone is in great fight Failure is not option."