Cape Town - Free State Stars coach Giovanni Solinas expressed some sympathy for Kaizer Chiefs after eliminating them from the Telkom Knockout quarterfinal.
Ea Lla Koto advanced to the semi-final of the competition after 6-5 penalty shootout win at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday.
The Italian tactician has sparked Free State back to form in the four games since his return to the club with two wins and two draws to remain unbeaten.
"I think both teams were fighting to win this game. It was a long game and finishing it on penalties was a lottery," Solinas told KickOff.
"In penalties, everything is possible. But I think the game had an intensity and we won this game with a strong mentality because when you reach penalties, you need to be strong psychologically and my players did just that.
"I want to thank them because they kicked their penalties with heart. I also want to congratulate the opponents because they created a lot of chances and they came back in the game two times and I think it was a beautiful game.
"We need to keep on the ground and continue working hard because in the league we are not in good position and we need to put more effort there too to get results."
Stars will face Cape Town City FC in the semi-finals at the end of November.