New guidelines from the Confederation of African Football (Caf) state matches will still go ahead even if none of the 11 players is a goalkeeper.
Any nation unable to fulfil a fixture will forfeit the game 2-0.
The guidance has been issued after several nations reported Covid cases before the tournament starts on Sunday.
Caf said that in “exceptional cases” the tournament’s organising committee “will take the appropriate decision”.
On Friday Egypt delayed their departure for the tournament, which is taking place in Cameroon, and were forced to cancel training after coronavirus cases were reported in their camp.
The Pharaohs, who have won the competition a record seven times, eventually flew to Cameroon on Saturday.
