Francis was initially cautioned by Maae, however, VAR replays adjudged that the former Right to Dream player had launched a risky attack on the Cameroonian defender.
Unbeaten in their last two games in all competitions, Sonderjyske welcomed the Tigers to the Sydbank Park in Haderslev.
The fixture got off to a flying start with both teams creating numerous scoring opportunities. However, they were unable to find the net thanks to the brilliance of goalkeepers Lawrence Thomas and Peter Jensen.
Nevertheless, it was the visiting side who took the initiative on the stroke of half-time courtesy of Oliver Villadsen who slotted the ball past goalkeeper Lawrence.