like at end of his "connect 12.123.4.567:28962" is what is says to connect directly

We have tried everything under the sun to play together. From UPnP to portforwarding to direct connect to the IP address and nothing works. I cannot play with my friend on normal or mods. We thought we found a solution to the "no more steam keys" for WAW yet nothing works. Is there any advice anyone can give us?

Edit: the host port forward for the host ends in 28962, is that the problem?