Lyon stars Bafetimbi Gomis and Michel Bastos both congratulated lowly Epinal after they knocked the holders out of the Coupe de France.
The third-tier club beat the Ligue 1 leaders and cup holders on penalties after a 3-3 thriller, leaving Remi Garde and his players red-faced.
"We had prepared for this match but we had a bad start and we paid for it," said Lyon's Bafetimbi Gomis, referring to the fact they went 2-0 down early on.
"It was hard to level the score but we did. We then led but failed to keep the advantage. That's football. We must congratulate the team of Epinal. Now it is up to us to concentrate on the next match against Troyes."
Michel Bastos shared his team-mates' upset, especially considering Lyon's status as holders.
"It is sad because we were the defending champions," he said. "We had fun playing the Coupe de France last year so it's a shame to be eliminated.
"We must congratulate the team that caused us problems.
"In this competition you need a bit of luck and we did not have it. The pitch was not easy to play our game, but we will not hide behind it."
The 19-year-old Academy graduate, a first-year professional, made his senior debut for the League One club in November and five appearances have since followed, including three starts.
Smith said: "Mal is a great prospect for this club. I have known him since he was an Under-15 player here and he has just got better and better during that time.
"He has taken the opportunity that has been given to him and showed that he can handle playing at this level.
"This new deal gives him a great chance to continue that progression; he has a fantastic attitude and I know that he will continue to work hard at his game. He's another real talent to come off the production line here."
Singh Benning added: "At the start of the season I wanted to establish myself and do well for the reserves, but things have gone really well so far and to get my chance in the first team at this stage of my career has exceeded my expectations."
