Ghanaian midfielder Evans Dapaah scored the Tar Heels’ goal in Friday’s 1-1 draw with N.C. State, then revealed a message of faith. A big moment for the man who grew up in Accra.
On Friday, on North Carolina’s senior night, Evans Dapaah scored the Tar Heels’ goal in the 1-1 draw with N.C. State. After his goal, the Ghanaian midfielder turned his shirt inside out to reveal a compression top bearing the words “Jesus is King”, which he wears under his jersey in every match this season, The Daily Tar Heel reports.
“I wear this compression shirt every game, and I was waiting for the moment to show it to everyone, what I believe in,” Dapaah told dailytarheel.com. A personal gesture from a player with an unusual path, who arrived at UNC after a detour via Campbell University.
A message of faith long in the waiting
The shirt under the jersey was no improvisation. Dapaah wore it in every game this season, by his own account, and was waiting for the chance to show it to the public. His goal against N.C. State gave him that moment on his senior night.
Luca Nikolai, a senior defender at UNC, highlighted his teammate’s less visible contribution: “He doesn’t get enough recognition. He does all the hard work, all the defensive work that you don’t really see when you’re a fan and you’re just watching the game,” he told dailytarheel.com. A way of shining a light on the work done in the shadows.
From Accra to Chapel Hill
Before joining the Tar Heels, Evans Dapaah grew up in Accra, where he played for local sides Amani Stars and Charity Stars. He was recruited by Campbell University at the annual G6:9 Foundation showcase, an event where college coaches watch young Ghanaian players.
His arrival in the United States was delayed, however: his student visa was initially postponed in the spring, with no interview slot available at the US embassy in Ghana. He finally obtained his visa three months later, The Daily Tar Heel notes.
At Campbell, Dapaah spent three seasons in a hard-working, under-the-radar role in midfield. Carlos Somoano, the UNC coach, describes his journey this way: “We’re so lucky to have him. His path has been atypical, the way everything ultimately worked out. He has been a blessing for us,” he told dailytarheel.com.
What comes next this season
The draw with N.C. State comes at the end of the college regular season. The source does not specify how the NCAA knockout stages unfold.