Authorities in Ghana on Wednesday urged football fans to cool down celebrations after a man was killed during partying following the Black Stars' opening victory against Guinea on Sunday night. Tens of thousands of football fans in the capital took to the streets and burned truck tyres, while others drove up and down busy roads at high speeds waving flags.
Local media reported that a 25-year-old was seriously injured when the motorcycle he was driving crashed into a parked vehicle. He was taken to a local hospital, but died shortly afterwards.
His friends are quoted as saying that they are looking forward to a grand funeral. "After all, he was killed while jubilating over a national cause."
However, the Police Public Affairs Director, Kwesi Ofori, has now urged football fans to be cautious when celebrating after games. He said that it was illegal to drive recklessly or burn tyres on the main road. "It makes no difference what the occasion is," he said.
Ghana won their opening Group A match against Guinea 1-0 and are facing Morocco on Thursday in their second game.