ACCRA, June 23: A Ghanaian man and two children were killed by speeding cars during raucous street parties after the West African country won soccer matches that clinched it a place in the World Cup last 16, police said on Friday.

Ghana became the only African team to make it to the second round after beating Czech Republic then the United States, prompting big celebrations as fans jumped on car bonnets, danced in the street and even lay on the ground in front of traffic.

“What we have is one person dying (on Thursday). Last Saturday two people died,” said police spokesman David Eklu, who added the two killed last week were children. “They were knocked by cars which were speeding.”

Ghana sprang back from losing 2-0 to Italy to beat Czech Republic 2-0 on Saturday, then secured its place in the second round with a 2-1 win over the United States on Thursday.

Eklu said police presence on the streets would be beefed up ahead of Ghana's showdown with champions Brazil on Tuesday to prevent any more casualties.—Reuters